ClaireName1, originally uploaded by nooccar.

Earlier today we were getting an x-ray of Claire’s hips, and while we waited Claire wanted to color a picture. Part way through coloring I explained that perhaps she would want to give Mama the picture for her new desk at work. Claire excitedly agreed and proceeded to color the picture carefully withing the lines.

As she was finishing the picture, I went to take it so we could put it away for Mama. She quickly told me that she wasn’t done. She needed to put her name on it! I agreed and was going to help her write her name like all parents do for the little ones, but she demanded that I not help her. Wouldn’t you know? She proceeded to write her entire name across the bottom BY HERSELF! I had tears in my eyes by the time she wrote her "E", and then she demanded she be allowed to write her name again across the top. She did it quickly and was smiling ear to ear.

I just dropped to my knee, tears in my eyes, hugging my 3 year old daughter who suddenly can writer her whole first name, clear as day, all by herself.