Dearest Claire Elaine,

In the next few days, you will officially become a big sister. We’ve been talking about our baby for nine months, so I’m sure at this point you’re beginning to wonder whether we’ve just been teasing you. Never fear, she’s coming home soon and the world as we all know it will change.

It feels like just yesterday that you, precious girl, were our new baby. And now you’re three — so smart, independent, and full of life. You’ve gotten a lot of special attention this past week as Mommy has been home waiting for baby to come. We’ve baked, we’ve taken walks, we’ve gone out for ice cream, we’ve picked a hundred flowers, and we’ve cuddled on the couch watching movies. I’m trying to savor this time…these precious days when you still call Fox and Hound‘s “Best of Friends” the “Mommy-Claire Song.”

I wouldn’t be fully honest if I didn’t admit the bittersweetness of your move from being our one-and-only to half of our daughter duo. (We’ve had a LOT of fun just you, me, and Daddy.) Part of me feels that you’re sensing this shift too. Today when you woke, you asked to skip school and just play with me. We danced in the living room to Disney songs, and twirled til we were both dizzy.

I promise this won’t change, sweet girl. We’ll still dance — we’ll just have more twirling princesses.

Being a big sister has been one of Mommy’s favorite roles in life. I pray that you’ll be best friends, that you’ll love each other fiercely, and that you’ll keep each other in line, too.

Most of all, don’t you worry, Claire Bear. YOU were the one who made me a Mommy. And although things will be different, they’ll most certainly be better…and with even more love to go around.

I’m so proud of you, and as my precious Mama has proven to me, I’ll always be your biggest fan.

I love you forever and ever,
Mommy

“Ugga Mugga”