Happy Birthday Claire! and other stuff

I haven't been able to figure out my problem this week. No energy, icky tummy, no appetite. I am deciding that I've actually had a bug of some sort. It's too weird not to be. I've also had a tick in my back, like how you get in your eye, but in my back. ANNOYING. I decided it was all the non-eating I've been doing all week causing some lack of nutrients and hydration. Andy bought me some Special K protein shakes to try to force something in there. We'll see.

Today is my Claire Bear's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is 7 and FANTASTIC! I actually haven't even seen her yet, she went to donuts and soccer with her daddy before I woke up. And I woke up at 7:30, so it isn't just laziness standing in my way. Did I mention that I have a bug, too? Anyway, I can't wait to see her! She had such a hard time falling asleep last night from the excitement and anticipation. I will spend all afternoon making cake and cupcakes for her. She wants a giant leaf cake and ladybug cupcakes. I can't believe it's been 7 years - that is so big! The only thing keeping her little to me is the fact that she hasn't lost any baby teeth so her face hasn't changed. Thank goodness! It drives her nuts and she often asks when she'll get a loose tooth, but it makes me feel happy that she is still a little gal. Little, quite literally. She is pint-sized! She always looks a grade younger than she is. But she has attitude enough for a teenager. This time that year I was driving to the hospital after laboring at home during the night. I was feeling good, not too stressed. When I got there, I was already dilated to an 8, so I felt like a freaking champion of the universe since I wasn't getting an epidural. She came out all pissy and beautiful. Her hair was spiky and dark, but the tips were all blonde. I remember eating my entire lunch with my eyes shut and then falling right to sleep. Here are a few pictures to remind us all of how lucky we are to have a Claire in our world: