Sweetness at the shoe shop

Little Claire is getting 4 molars right now. I cannot imagine how painful that must be. She has been walking around the house, literally holding her pudgy hands to her chubby cheeks and wimpering. As soon as she sees the Baby Tylenol bottle come out, she spits her pacifier across the room in anticipation of this wonderful new treat; and let's not even get started on the joys of Baby Orajel!

I had to run a few errands this morning, and so Ryan stayed home with the girls. He told me later that after I left, Claire was sitting on the floor of the living room, holding her blankie and crying. He tried to comfort her, but she just looked up at him with tearful eyes, and waved "bye-bye". Oh, how that tugs at my heart-strings, to know that my little girl missed me!

So, this afternoon, I took Clairsie with me to DSW (my new favorite store). It's rare that I get to go somewhere, especially shopping, with just one of the girls, and I really enjoy the one-on-one time I get when I do. It's so interesting, to observe them while they take in their new surroundings to see what brings a smile to their face or a little giggle. And it's truly amazing, the freedom of having just one little one to carry and keep track of.

I wish I had my camera with me, to capture this cute little pint-sized sweetheart, dressed in khaki cargo capri pants, bright pink top, matching Mary Janes, and her favorite accessories - sparkly necklaces - as she half-toddled, half-ran down the aisles with me. She carried my keys, she searched my purse, she looked at herself in the footstool mirrors.

She emptied shoe boxes, she banged on the clearance racks. She waved hello and goodbye to everyone we passed. She got scared of the salesman and burried her face in my knees, she fought for her freedom when I told her to stay. She wanted up, she wanted down. Such a busy little explorer! She smiled and laughed at - well, I'm not quite sure what. She pointed out "Ba!!!" at every light.

I didn't find the shoes I was after, but I so enjoyed being with my little Clairsie-bear this afternoon. I can't imagine a better companion than one of my little girls.