Moving on up!

Clara's teachers sent me this video last Friday and I about lost my mind. . .

Look at her go!! I knew she had been working on this skill, climbing a ladder, for several months but I had no idea she had mastered it to this extent. Mind = blown. Look at how she owns that thing!

And isn't it amazing how God gives us just what we need, right when we need it? I mean he is God after all, and that is pretty much his speciality, but man . . . talk about timing. After several weeks of struggling greatly with Clara's needs and erring on "the glass is half empty," side of the equation, I needed a boost to flip the glass to full. And then this. . . exactly that . . . a boost to regroup and get back some mental clarity and positivity.

The girl that we didn't know would ever walk, is now climbing ladders.

Can't wait to see what else is in store for her. So, so proud of our hardworking girl.

Clara's latest trick

Last Friday Brandon and I attended our monthly (mandatory) parent training at Clara's school. This one hour hands-on training usually consists of the staff showing us what they have been working on with our girl, and then giving us a chance to practice those same tasks, so that we are able to work with her effectively at home. Last week we practiced training Clara in PECS and a few other things, and then they decided to take her to the playground to let her swing for a few minutes. I assumed this meant that her teacher would put Clara in her lap and they would swing together, since the school does not have bucket swings.

I could not have been more wrong! 

We were both blown away to see this. . . 

There are just so many elements here that make (what one might assume to be) a seemingly simple task, such an amazing accomplishment for Clara.  Que all the mama emotions and tears. . . 

And then to end the weekend, we decided to see if she could replicate this task at home. She did so with ease and a huge smile.

And yes, she is wearing the same t-shirt because laundry is overrated. Also, you might note that she is sporting some super short shorts. Maybe I should break down and buy her some that actually fit?

So proud of her I could just burst! 

Clara 3 years

We celebrated Clara this past Saturday on her birthday, May 2nd! She is now a big three year old! We took advantage of the nice weather Saturday and enjoyed a party at home (what we do every year, ha!). The children were able to play outside, and the adults were able to enjoy some talk time in between managing said children.

A few (ok, a lot of) pictures from Clara's special day. . . in no particular order. . .

 Clara's class at school had a party for her on Friday, and made this cute banner with their handprints. Since as of Friday I had no decor ideas for the actual party, hanging the banner worked perfectly! Thanks cubs class! :)

We enjoyed party sandwich trays from Kroger, chips, fruit and boxed brownies.

You can pin that if you want. 

Party favors for the kids included baggies of goldfish and candy.

Again, feel free to pin that if you want. 

A fun-filled day for sure. . . We love you, Clara!! So thankful for you and these past three years! Cannot wait to see where God takes you this next year!

(And a huge thanks to my sweet mother in law, Debbie, for taking the majority of these photos!)

Clara's stats at age 3 (for my records):
Weight = 28 pounds 6.4 ounces (24%)
Height = 36 and 1/8th inches (25%)