they only grow up once!

i have a daily routine of taking a nap when claire takes a nap. i usually wake up before her, and wait downstairs until i hear her making some kind of noise. many times its banging, opening and closing her closet, jumping, things like that. and sometimes its like today, and i put off going to get her while i listen to her singing one of her silly songs, or talking to her animals. i'll creep up quietly and sit by her door and just listen, tucking away that memory of my sweet, sweet girl. she already has quite the imagination. she makes up dances, to go along with her songs, and will laugh at herself. she is confident, and knows what she wants. she can totally be a little diva. one of my FAVORITE things is letting her take a bath in my bathroom while i get ready, and then letting her play on the counter sans clothes. she gets kinda sassy, trying out different faces and dance moves in the mirror. she'll hold the small mirror on the wall and sing more songs. she'll even pull me into it sometimes. and smile at how pretty we are, mommy and claire. its a perfect moment for us both i think.

and i really hope that she doesn't change. at least not too much. this phase is too much fun.

(okay i can totally do without the destructive, danger-loving side of her. but even then, if i look at it as learning and discovering its not as bad!)