Claire Bear.

When my daughter, Claire, was still in her early days, we coined the nickname "Claire bear", simply because it rhymed. At the time, we saw no deeper significance to the nickname.

As time passed, and Claire developed her own personality, we realized that there are many other, more subtle reasons that this nickname applies. It seemed to suit many aspects of Claire's personality.

When Claire and I snuggle, she is as cuddly as a soft, plush teddy bear. Her little hand in mine feels like a soft velvet paw. She offers all the comfort of a security teddy bear.

When Claire has one of her frequent temper tantrums, she transforms into a being as ferocious as a bear in the wild. Her fierceness brings to mind an encounter with a bear in a trap, who feels threatened by those around her.

I have come to discover that I love all the traits of the bear that my little Claire bear poseses, the stubborn temper, as well as the sweet and tender teddy . My Claire bear has a nickname that suits her perfectly.