Little Miss Clara Rose turns 10 months!!!

(I DID start this post back on the 11th when she officially turned 10 mo, but somehow just got around to finishing it tonight)

Man... I don't know where the time is going, but it is lapping me boy!  I feel like she JUST turned 9mo (actually most of the time I feel like we just took her home)  and low and behold, 10 MONTHS OLD!  Double digit months, ha!  I only have two months till her 1st birthday, crazzzzy!.

Oh, Miss Clara.  You are my sweetie pie.  I just love you so much and could eat you up most days.  Recently you learned to WALK and are SO proud of yourself and all your little tentative steps you're taking everywhere.  You surely will be an expert by Christmas (and I'll be in trouble... as will the poor tree)

She also just learned stairs and if the gate is not closed at ALL times she bolts for them and is nearly to the top in moments.

You are bright and inquisitive and watchful and sensitive and cuddly and hungry (ALL of the time you little piggy) and smiley with a smile that lights up a room and eyes that sparkle when you do.  You have added so much joy and happiness (and sleeplessnesssssszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) to our home.  Oh my special baby, you are a treasure.  You are our gift.

Your big sister thinks the world of you and although you have to patiently put up with her saying "No no, baby don't take my <insert toy>" even if you're no where near it, you love her like crazy too and want to be everywhere she is.  You are the first one she wants to see in the morning and comes in saying "Hi Mommy.  Where's the baby?"  If you are still sleeping, she will try very hard to be quiet but sometimes she simply cannot wait for you to be with her, so she unfortunately will frequently find a way to "wake you up" and then happily call "Baby's awake!  Baby's awake!  I go read books to her!"... and running into your room exclaim "HI BABY!!!"  It's funny that she still calls you "Baby" nearly more than "Clara" or "La-La" (which is the nickname that totally stuck).  You are the one she will always share her favorite toys with and when we can't find "favorite nee" (Ava's favorite bunny) we have often found it tossed into your crib for you to play and snuggle with.  It's beautiful to see how often she comes up to you with kisses and says "Baby... I love you.  I love you so much"  She loves to hold your hand while riding in the car and will tell me when you're sleeping.  "Baby sleeping.  Let baby rest, Mommy"  If I'm on the phone, she will even tell me to get off or talk quietly so you can "rest".  She's always watching out for you and tries very hard to keep you "safe".  I can't imagine one of you without the other now!  I truly pray that you both will always  be close.

I cannot believe that very soon YOU will be a big sister.  You will be a wonderful one.  This baby is blessed to have you to learn from and you surely will teach each lesson with joy.  I wonder what it will be like with THREE!?

Honestly?  Clara is my TWIN.  My mother says every single time she visits that it is like watching me all over again.  Her face, her disposition, the little tongue always sticking out, everything.   I wish my printer/scanner was working as I'd show you a picture and then you'd really believe me.  Shaun knows it's true but he really likes it when people say "Shaun she looks just like you!" so he always smiles and says "Hmm.  You think so" and I look at him a little sideways because we both know who's twin she is.  It's a funny thing raising a child so much like yourself.  Well... I've concluded that I must've been awesome... cause she sure is. *wink*

She's getting her "two front teeth" (on top) right in time for Christmas!  She's only had ONE for the past couple of months up until recently when she got her second bottom tooth.  I honestly don't mind when there's a tooth delay when I'm nursing ;)

 She is very very very (did I say very?) attached to mommy and so we spend a LOT of time together.  She would crawl back in the womb I think if she could (sorry kiddo, it's occupied!)  It's one of the main reasons she doesn't sleep very well.  She needs to "check in" during the night & won't go to sleep till she's nursed herself back into unconsciousness.  As tiring as that is, I know that it will pass all too quickly and then I'll miss being able to hold her in my lap for so long, so until then I'm trying not to complain when she has long nights.

Oh boy, we just love her to bits, though.  Her personality is really coming out lately and she's got a great one.  She's really fun and I know she's going to be so "full of life" and bring excitement to all she does.

Check her out! (here are some recent home videos of her walking and playing)