Dear Clara,

Your entrance into the world was definitely an indication of your personality...in your own time and in your own way.  It seemed as if you were born with your eyes wide open.  You were so sensitive and alert to the world around you.  You made your feelings known.  Eating was a challenge in the beginning, but you got the hang of it.  The NICU nurses told me you would be a handful.  I didn't believe them.  Not my beautiful little girl, but in the end they were so right!  We were beyond delighted to bring you home to have you all to ourselves, but when we finally got there we experienced lots of crying and not much sleep.  This made for tired parents and baby.  Once we figured out you had a sensitive tummy and got you sleeping through the night, your amazingly beautiful smiles began and haven't stopped.  Don't get me wrong.  Your strong personality abounds but at least it is a happy one!

Your dad and I could tell you were a smart yet cautious little girl from the beginning. We called you the observer.  You seemed to drink the world in and enjoyed doing it.  When it came to meeting milestones you took your time perfecting the skill with assistance from us before venturing out on your own.  Even though you were cautious, you were an achiever doing it all right when you were "supposed to."  Your beauty shined from the beginning.  Your bright big eyes, full head of hair, and round cheeks are enough to melt anyone's heart.  And have I mentioned your smiles?  To your dad and I, they make the world stop spinning.  You are the social butterfly in the family.  You've never met a stranger and pay close attention to people.  You love to be out and about especially shopping and eating at restaurants.  Your Dad is in big trouble!  You love your brother to pieces.  You crawled first but once he got moving you followed him around like a puppy dog.  You want to be near him, love on him, and of course smack him every once and a while. 

At one year old you have one chomper, a few words, and a big personality.  I love your big hugs and big kisses.  You are a very affectionate little girl.   I adore your persistence, fiesty yet social nature, and oh that smile!  I am so excited to see what your future holds in store for you.  Life is an absolute joy with you in it!  Thank you my sweet love for making me a Mommy!  I love you to the moon and back!

Mom