Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Claire

Dear Claire~

You are 10 today.  Double digits.  And once you are in the doubles....there's no getting out...unless, of course you are one of the fortunate few who hit the triple digits!

You stand out in ways that that your siblings do not.
Since you were born....or more acurately, since BEFORE you were born.

I thought of you before I ever knew you.  I prayed for you and hoped that God would grant me the gift of being a mama just once more.  He answered with you.

You have made your presence known since day one.  You have a mind of your own and when you set your mind on something....watch out!

One of my first clues as to your willful spirit:
You were due to arrive in the world on October 19.
The doctors told me that we would plan a cesarean on October 11.
You had other ideas.
You arrived October 7th. 

As a baby, you had your own preferences about nursing, when you would sleep, and who you wanted to be around.

As a 10-year-old, you still have your own ideas about what you will and will not eat, your sleep habits and who you want to be around.

And everything in between.

There usually isn't any question about what you are feeling or thinking. 
And you often have a funny comment to say. 

You challenge me as a mama. 
Because of you, I am a better person.

And oh so proud to be your mama.