Lookout: There's a TEENAGER in the house

With much enthusiasm, Claire opened her gift from my parents. It arrived by courier which made it even that much more special for her.

A new chapter is about to begin, whether she's ready for it or not. I can assure you that I, for one, am not. Claire is anxious to run head-long into teenager-hood and I'm doing my best to remember how that delicious anticipation felt and encourage her along the way, though I'd dearly love to lock her up and not let her out for another ten years!

Today is a Claire day. No party. No cake. No streamers or balloons. She's decided she wants to go to the movies with Tyler, have an early dinner then go to his hockey game. I am the chauffeur.

Sometime by the end of the weekend we'll head over to Henry's and pick up the one gifts she's requested: a digital Canon Elph, a cute little blue one, of course.

Happy birthday, Claire. A baby no more, but always my baby :)