A few memories...

I kept saying "I have to write these down or blog about them." But I never have. I'm doing it now, even though I'm out of order with the dates, and that drives me crazy.

* Alex, Clara and I had dinner at our favorite Chinese place here in town, probably a year ago or so. It's usually quiet, and the food is really good. We were finishing our meal when an older woman and an even older woman sat at the table next to us. We overheard them tell the waitress that this was her mother, and she was 100 years old! She wasn't on any medication, and other than a hearing aid, had wonderful health. It was impressive! She was visiting her family and had requested Chinese food for the night. Clara couldn't seem to take her eyes off this woman who was a century older than her. When we got up to leave, the woman waved at Clara, and instead of shying away like she normally would, she marched right up to the 100 year old and gave her a hug!! It was as if Clara appreciated the remarkableness of the situation. It was such a wonderful feeling... I was proud of my little girl! The daughter said that probably just made her whole visit!

* Clara and I were shopping at Target one night earlier this summer. As I pulled the cart outside and started to unload, it began to rain. I said "Uh-oh, it's starting to rain!" to Clara, and pulled up her hood. She stuck both her hands out to feel the drips. I set her on the ground, gathered the bags, and that's when the sky opened up. It was pouring!! I squealed to Clara that we'd better run, but she was giggling, and holding out her arms. Then she saw the light that's embedded in the sidewalk of our Target store. She got this amazed look on her face, because with the rain coming down and the fog swirling around this light, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen! Her eyes were huge and her mouth was wide open in astonishment. We stood there for quite some time getting soaked, but reaching out to try and touch what looked like sparks coming from this light in the ground. Wow...

* One night a few weeks ago Alex and I were playing with Clara in her room. Alex laid flat on his back with his feet propped on the floor to make a slide with his legs. He lifted Clara high above him so she was laying in the air, then he placed her on his knees and she slid down. She loved this so much she said "Mommy's turn!" I looked at Daddy and asked if he could hold me above his head like that? "Heck no!" he exclaimed, making me feel like a sumo wrestler. Thanks a lot Alex! "I only meant I'm a weakling," he backpedaled. "No, you mean Mommy's a heifer." Before he could object, Clara says "Heifer!" AAACCKK!!! She then proceeds to point to me and say "Mommy, heifer!" I've lost it, I'm laughing so hard at this. "Daddy, heifer. Clara heifer! Heifer heifer heifer!" I know at this point she's repeating it because we're laughing so hard, but oh man... I'm glad my two year old makes me laugh so hard at things I wouldn't normally laugh at. And yes, that was the awakening point where we realized she really does hear everything we say.

Rain rain....

We love the rain! After a long dry summer, Clara was finally able to use her new umbrella in today's downpour! We were very excited. She ran to get her rainboots, her coat, and finally, her brand new yellow umbrella.