Claire Sits

Today was one of those days when Jillian was in school and Claire wasn't. I both look forward to and dread these days. I look forward to them because I enjoy what is essentially one-on-one time with Claire (Daniel is a good little dude who just grins at us all day). I always end these days with a little more insight about her personality and a greater appreciation for the person she is. She's old enough to do things with and have reasonable talks to and Jillian isn't quite at that level. So, we often have a good time when little sister is being educated (or being the class clown).

However, I have found that without Jillian around, I become Claire's sole focus. She, normally so independent, needs help with everything when Jillian is not here. She wants me to tell her what to draw, what to play, how to play, what to eat, what to wear, what to watch on TV (and can I do it all toooo) etcetera, etcereroo. She is always inquisitive but she has more questions and the answers need repeating when Jillian is away. She nags me mercilessly from the time Jillian goes to school till we pick her up. Basically, I think she misses Jillian's company and in order to get the stimulation she normally gets from her sister, she paws at me for attention. On many levels, I don't mind. These days aren't all that frequent so I can usually bear the pestering. I do admit that usually, by midday, she has me run down.

This morning, I could feel myself losing grip rather early in the day. I decided that it would be better for us to be out of the house doing things than in the house with me getting irritated. So, to that end, we set up a visit to the yarn store. While I spent some time catching up with Carolyn and Anne, Claire did this:


She found the one story book in the shop, set herself up on the rocking chair (she ADORES rocking chairs), covered up in a throw and had a good little story time by herself. Looks cozy, eh? Were it me, I think I'd have made a nest of Cascade 220 to lie in but that might have angered Carolyn and I'd never leave the shop so I'll restrain myself.

After that, we headed to Indigo. Claire went to a birthday party a couple of weeks ago and instead of a loot bag was given a $10 gift card to the bookstore. I think that's a genius idea. No junky stuff coming home and we get to go on a nice outing to the big bookstore and pick something out. Claire browsed around for a while and eventually picked out two books for herself. On the way out of the children's department, she spotted a bin of "wands" just like the one her teacher uses at school for a pointer (it's clear acrylic with pink glitter and sequin hearts and stars and stuff inside,snow globe style). She quickly put one book back and got a pointer instead and set herself up like so:


Another book, another chair, another good time. When I suggested I wanted to go to another section she waved me off with her wand with a "go ahead". Not likely. Instead, I plunked down in the other bean bag chair and watched her read for a bit (I thought I was going to have to stay forever - bean bags chairs are killer to get out of).

The kid can find a good reading spot wherever she goes. It was a good day.