Two and a half!

Today marks Claire’s 30-month birthday, and that means we’ve officially made it half-way through the Infamous Year Number Two!  Yeah!

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For the record, she’s been a really good girl, for the most part.  We’ve had our challenges here and there, but we really can’t ask for anything better.  And, as with anything, some days are more challenging than others. 

To mark this milestone and also prepare for our trip next week, I’ve decided to call in the professionals to do her hair.  I really wanted to grow out her bangs and have her hair all one length.  But, then reality stepped in and reminded me that until she’s old enough to keep the bows in or keep it behind her ear, it would be a constant battle.

I’m tired of battles.

So, today she got bangs!

There is a place near us that specializes in cutting children’s hair.  And, the price is really reasonable and, to be honest, I would have paid three times what they were charging just to keep my sanity somewhat intact.  (Don’t tell them that, or they’ll raise their prices, and then my sanity becomes even more expensive!) 

So, her bangs are wispy and the stylist did some face framing. I think it looks really good!

Afterwards, we changed clothes and met some friends at a park for a picnic.  Claire has gotten so brave and was exploring all over, and she wasn’t even afraid to go down the big slides!  She was playing so well with all the other kids, and had a great time playing.  When I think about how outgoing she is most of the time and how much fun she has, and then I look at the above pictures, I’m struck by how much she’s changed and how she’s turning into such an interesting little girl.

Part of me gets a little teary and I kinda miss my Baby Claire!  But then I realize how cool this stage is, too…and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.