Tender Moments, And Claire's First Interview.

My favorite sound in the whole world is my two girls laughing together. They are so much alike, even their laughs are the same. It's an eruption of giggles and belly laughs that could go on forever. Claire has a wonderful sense of humor and is constantly making us laugh. But every so often she says something so tender and sweet it digs through my and melts my heart. Lately I've become obsessed with how I measure up as a mother. I'm 22 with two kids, and to be frank; sometimes I think what I do as a mother doesn't make any difference. Especially when it comes to spiritual things. From prayers, to scripture study, to family home evening, sometimes I wonder if it really matters.

Today we drove Ross to work.on the drive back, Claire sat in her seat and said a prayer. All by herself. And it was kind of long for her. As if that wasn't heart warming enough, a few minutes later, Aoife started fussing. Usually Claire sits back and screams, "NO BABY!!!", but instead she tenderly said another prayer asking for Aoife to be happy. And then the tears started flowing.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about our little family. And it just warms my heart. I love Ross, very much. For Valentine's Day, I actually split it up into 14 different days. On January 31st, Ross woke up to a poem explaining that he'd be celebrating Valentine's Day over the next 14 days. Each day he's gotten a little present. Nothing big or fancy, sometimes just little acts of service, but I wanted to do something that would show my appreciation for him without having to spend a lot of money. Focusing on him has made me realize just how much he does for our family, and especially for me. I don't know how I snagged such an amazing gentleman, but I'll forever be grateful. And I love our little girls. I was worried about having two girls so close together, but I love it. I wouldn't change anything. They each add something different and special to our family. Aoife's turning one next month, and it honestly feels like she was just born two weeks ago. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed.

Anyway, so I saw this thing on Pinterest last night. (Too many of my conversations start with that.) It was a list of questions a mom had asked her two children and their answers. I thought it'd be cool to do an interview each year. I love family videos. A little too much, probably. So instead of just writing it down, I decided to record it. I made up my own questions on the spot, you never know how long a two year old would hold out or what questions they'll actually answer, but it was fun. Here's the video. Since I am fluent in toddler, I'll translate for you.

Claire's First Interview.
Age 2.
February 10, 2010

Today we're going to interview Claire. Hey Claire, How old are you?
Claire: Two!

You're 2? How old is Mommy?
Claire: Uh... 40.

Okay, and what do you like to do with Mom?
Claire :At home.
What?
Claire: At home.
What do you like to do with Mommy?
Claire: uhhhhh

Do you have a fovorite color?
Claire:Purple!

What's Mommy's favorite color?
Claire: Mom. Mommy Black, red blue!

Black red and blue? Ummm do you have a favorite animal?
Claire: A Tiger.

What does a Tiger say?
Claire: HHHEEEWWWCCHHGHHH

Oh that was good! Can you count?
Claire: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Alright, do you know what comes after 5?
Claire: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
 
Good. Hey Claire, what does Mommy say?
Claire: WAAARRGH

And what does Daddy say?
Claire: ARRRRGH

What about Aoife, your little sister?
Claire: Little sister.
Yeah, what does Aoife say?
Claire: WAAAARRRRR!

Do you like having a little sister?
Claire: Yeah.

Can you tell me her name?
Claire: Aoife.
Aoife, yeah!

Ummm Can you tell me, how tall is Mommy?
Claire: Uhhh talley.

And, what's your favorite song?
Claire: Popcorn Popping. And I am a Child of God.
Oh, those are good ones.

What songs do you like that Mommy sings?
Claire: No idea. Good songs.
Oh.

So what does Mommy do all day?
Claire: Day.
Yeah, what does Mommy do?
Claire: Do.
What does Mommy do for work?
Claire: Uhh work.

What do you think Daddy does at work?
Claire:Reads books.
Reads books?
Claire: Yeah, that one. Stories.

Hey Claire, how do you know that Mommy loves you? Do you know that Mommy loves you?
Claire: 1, 2, 3.

Can you give me a smile? Show me your happy face. Do you have a happy face?
Claire: *gives sad face*
I think that's your sad face, what about a happy face?
Claire: *happy face*
Oh K that's good. Now, do your sad face.
Claire: *sad face*
Mad face?
Claire: *Unsure of what to do*
That's funny, huh?


Do you want me to ask you more questions?
Claire: yeah.
Yeah? Okay Ummm what's your favorite movie? What your favorite movie?
Claire: Uhhh huh I don't know.
You don't know? Do you like watching movies?
Claire: Yeah.
Yeah? But you don't have a favorite movie?
Yeah.
What is it? What's your favorite movie?
Baby Einsteins!
Oh, Baby Einsteins! You still like those?
Claire: Yup!

Yup? What do you want to be when you grow up?
Claire: Want it.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Claire: Want that one. Book.
You want to read books when you grow up?
Claire: Yeah.
Yeah?
Claire: Want this book.
Okay. Thanks for the interview.
Claire: Bye!
Bye!