There was birthday cake at the Carrefour today. This first picture must have been taken when she just got her piece.

This picture was likely taken just a few moments later - the girl loves cake!
I haven't a clue what warranted the look on Chloe's face though. I know she's not a huge cake eater, maybe that explains it. Hmmm, I wonder if Clara ate her piece too... I'll have to ask. It is very possible.

Clara really, really, really wanted to help me do SOMETHING today. I wasn't willing to let her mix hamburger meat so I suggested she help with the laundry. She did a great job folding facecloths! Check out the pile she made. And, if that wasn't enough, she put them all away too.

Warning: Proud Mama entry ahead!

On Tuesday when I picked up Clara from pre-school Emanuelle told me that Clara had been TALKING in French! She told me that she was so happy that it had brought tears to her eyes, which of course brought tears to my eyes too! I'm so proud of Clara's progress. We've been talking in French a bit at home lately and watching some French TV so I guess it has all added up and she'd finally beginning to feel confident in her abilities. I can't wait to see what happens on Friday...

My new favorite mixed up word of Clara's: ding-bell, also known as doorbell!

And since I am sharing funnies; here is our passed out lumberjack.

Last night I watched Clara sleep. She was wearing a cute pyjama set; pink shorts and a pink top. She lay on her side, all curled up, her hands under her cheek and her hair kind of wavy lying around her on the pillow. She was breathing deeply and her belly was going up and down rhythmically. It was a perfect moment. While I watched her she changed positions; she sighed and smacked her lips. I wondered what she was dreaming about. As I watched her I couldn't help but think; this is not the body of my baby. This is the body of a girl. The position she was in and the sounds that she made were probably exactly how you'd find me in the middle of the night when I am sleeping deeply. How can that girl with the long legs be my daughter?

I know Clara is growing up logically. She learns new things, tries new things, tells me her ideas, and all that wonderful stuff but, despite all that, I have somehow managed to escape the fact that with every day, and every new accomplishment she is growing up and it is happening right in front of me.

Wow, this mothering thing sure is an emotional ride, especially when your eyes are opened in the dark sitting beside a girl in pink.

Further example of Leo's obsession with the number ONE. Listen for Clara in the background - she knows everything.

Today we spent the afternoon in our backyard. Bubbles, chalk, balls - we hauled them all out and enjoyed the sun and some giggles. Clara is a professional bubble blower and Leo mastered the pavement steps. Unfortunately, Clara has developed a fear of bugs over the winter and had several startled (aka freaked out) reactions when she caught sight of something flying about. I'm trying to convince her that we have to share the outdoors with bugs, animals, and people but so far no dice - she's cool with the animals and other people, but the bugs, not a chance! All I can say is, thank goodness we live in a city.

Watching the bubbles float away

Look at my clean face, I just ate bubble solution!

Hop Scotch