My Girl

Oh my precious Bella, here we are again.

Another year has flown by, and yet another year of me contemplating just where the time went.

One minute I have a very vivid memory of bringing you home from the hospital.. sitting with you in my arms in your brand-new nursery… and the next minute I turn around, and you have become this -

Sometimes when you don’t realize it, your dad and I spy on you when you are singing in your room… or when you are practicing new “performances” that you and your little brother are going to do for us. I secretly want to burst into tears every time I see your gentle spirit in action when you take care of your brother and are kind to him when you think no one else is watching. That is what I love so much about you. This past year you have become even more independent, creative, kind and self-aware. I have kept every letter you have written me and slid under my bedroom door, every story and illustration that you have come up with, every project from school and every award you have received. I already have a giant tupperware bin full of your mementos, and you are just 7.

 It has been such a joy to watch you “come out of your shell” this past year. You got right up there in the front row and performed your little heart out in cheerleading, you stood with confidence in front of the class each time you had to read a report or story out loud, and you discovered a new interest in dance and gymnastics. Sometimes when I watch you in front of a group of people, I think to myself- how did she come from me?? I wish I could bottle up your enthusiasm and your sweet little perspective about the world around you. You have such a quiet and observant little spirit, and yet you can just explode into giggles that are so contagious, that you get our whole family laughing.

I thought for sure that last year would be your last birthday pictures with your baby teeth… but they are still hanging in there! You lost two bottom teeth this year, but your beautiful smile is still full of those adorable baby teeth. And I love every inch of it.

My favorite time with you is when you crawl into our bed early in the morning and spend a few minutes snuggling me before I get out of bed… I wish I could just freeze time. Your usual mess of ringlet curls in the morning, and your sleepy quiet voice is probably the cutest thing on the planet.

I’ve said it a million times, but its always worth repeating – you are so remarkable.

I pray that you always see yourself the way that your dad and I see you… the most beautiful, kind, silly, creative, intelligent, loving, child of God.

Happy 7th birthday baby girl. We love you to the moon and back.

Love, Mom