It’s a distinct memory for me, that moment when Clara was born, hearing her cry, seeing her face. I recall not just marveling at her beauty and health but the beauty and health of all of our four children. Like her birth was the one that officially formed their union of siblinghood. A strong circle, forever bonded, together, strong. It wasn’t so much about me as it was about having created four beautiful siblings for each other.
And then I saw her face. So beautiful, innocent, sweet …
Like any child, she’s had her rough moments, the crying spell, the time when all she needed and wanted was mommy or daddy to hold her. No matter what, she’s been such a beautiful light in our lives. Every single one of us. Last week, I packed Eli up to take him grocery shopping with me, we pulled out of the driveway, he cried “I want Clara Lou Lou to come to the store!” (Clara Lou Lou is her nickname in our house, Eli says it in such a way that you want him to say it at least 599 times a day.) They love each other so much. She watches him intently, he watches her play with his mom and Dad or his siblings and waits a few moments, smiling before he yells “Eli’s turn!“
I love, more than anything, that they’ll be together, always. Like Anna and Noah, they’ll never know life without the other. It’s so amazing to watch every single day. Even those moments when they’re snatching toys from each other. (okay, those aren’t so pretty but still, I’m so happy to have these children that even watching them fight, I feel so blessed.)
This Saturday we are celebrating Clara’s first year with us with family Nothing fancy. A lot of pink, tons of candy and a ridiculous amount of love.
I’m so thankful she is in my life. I’m so thankful I’m her Mama.
Time flies, my friends.
Time flies.
She’s the cutest! These photos are so wonderful! Happy birthday baby Clara!
Beyond precious! Happy Birthday, beautiful girl!
What a doll baby! And I totally ‘get’ what you mean about the siblings. One thing I love about our family is the bond of you kids. You know it’s something important to us when we decided to have kids until we had at least one of each and every boy had a brother and every girl had a sister. Good thing we got lucky on genders early on. LOL
Anyway, great post!!!! I love the love in it and the love in every picture!
Could she BE any cuter?
I hope she has a fantabulous First Birthday!!!
I’m reading this as I swing with my sleeping little beauty on our swing outside…and I’m crying. So true how time flies. What a beautiful baby girl you have and thank you for reminding me to enjoy every moment with my little love. Happy birthday Clara!
So cute! Happy Birthday, Clara!
She’s so awesome and I can’t wait to celebrate her first birthday!
Oh, Beth! I just love her. Happy happy birthday sweet Clara.
She’s darling! Happy 1st birthday Clara!
She is absolutely beautiful! I love how you can see how much her hair has grown over the past year too – too cute!
Happy Birthday.
She is so beautiful! Happy birthday, Clara!