I marvel at how Claire’s existence has opened my life. It’s also reassuring to see how people react to her. We go out daily (for my well-being as much as hers).

On Thursday we went to the mall. I’m not a fan of malls, but I thought it would be interesting (anything different is inherently interesting to her). The sunlight streamed through cathedral-type ceilings, and there colors and noises galore. The first store I entered was the Build-a-Bear Workshop. An employee approached to greet me and as soon as she saw Claire she said “Oh hello!” I’m sure they say that to every baby. Well, Claire is always ready with a smile, so she gave that gift. The woman cooed and exclaimed, and called her coworker over. And of course the more they talked to her and me, and used encouraging happy tones, the more Claire cooed and babbled. And the women said things like, “You know this baby gets talked to a lot!” “She’s so happy!” “Look how interested she is!”

Later we sat on a bench watching people. An elderly lady in a loud pink floral blouse and blazer approached and said, “Look at you!” Claire smiled and wiggled. The woman continued, “Does my colorful outfit rock your world?” and Claire babbled, and the conversation continued. As she departed, she said, “You’re a happy, happy baby. I feel it in my heart.”

I went into LUSH and a similar encounter occurred. A staff member approached to greet me and upon seeing Claire, smiled and said hello, and Claire responded. Among the many exclamations uttered, the woman said, “Oh, you’re beautiful! You have such a spark. You’re going to have love and joy all your life.” Then she spoke to me how she loves babies, and of her nephew. Claire opens up all sorts of conversations for me.

It was interesting watching Claire as we waited for the elevator. A ‘tween and her mother were also waiting. Claire gazed at the young woman, studying her intently. The girl looked at Claire and I saw Claire’s cheeks twitch, ready to smile, but the girl did not smile at or speak to her. (That would have been so uncool.) I watched the smile die, but Claire continued to watch the girl, who would glance at her occasionally.

We encountered one more person in the mall, an older woman, who commented on her alertness. (This woman also felt free to grill me with questions about how I feed her, since Claire’s petite, and whether I intended to have more kids. Irritating!)

At Central Park, similar incidents occur. A couple weeks ago a woman came rushing over as though she were greeting a long-lost friend. At first I thought Do I know you? Should I know you? because of how familiar she acted, but it turned out to be all for Claire. The lady said she just loves babies, and that she’s all done having kids (she had a 6-year old with her). She got down on her knees, cooed and spoke to Claire, said blessings in Hindi. I asked if she’d like to hold Claire and the answer was yes. She kissed Claire and hugged her, and when she handed Claire back, she said I’d made her day.

Yesterday at the park, a man with a leashed black dog was there with his grandchild. Claire is fascinated by dogs and cats (thank you, Sandra Boynton). She wriggled in my arms, and I asked if she could meet the dog. The man said yes, the dog is friendly. So I kneeled down and the man helped us pet her. The man commented on how curious and friendly Claire was, how much she smiled, how bright her eyes. And Claire got her first doggy kiss on the face (unexpectedly, and the man apologized, but Claire didn’t mind).

With her grandparents, aunts, and uncles being far away, and with no cousins, Claire is truly a singular child. So the fact that people are drawn to her and that she likes people makes me feel joyful and hopeful.