To my little girl

My sweet girl,

You are 7. Despite trying to keep this day from happening, here it is, just like you said. The closer your birthday got, the more I thought about the day you were born. I have looked at you in amazment that this once little bitty baby has turned into such a precious big girl, and it happened so fast. Seven years ago, you took your sweet time coming into the world, arriving early in the morning after a LONG labor. Must have been a sign of things to come. You take your time doing things and love getting up early in the morning.

I love seeing the new things in you, too.

Your art class has been such a fun experience for you. You've always loved drawing, but this class has opened you to trying to draw new things. I'm proud of you for trying new things. I know how nervous that makes you.

Your perspective on God is precious. We can talk about just about anything- how great something is, how big something is, how smart someone is, and you remind us that God is greater and smarter and bigger than anything. I love this stage and wish that I had that same childlike joy and awe again. Grownups forget that too easily. I enjoy our nighttime prayers, hearing what is on your heart. Lately, you pray for missions and people who need Jesus. I hope you always have a heart to share and help others share Jesus with the lost. Maybe that means one day you'll be a missionary.

I am so thankful that you are my daughter (Daddy's too). You are such a precious gift from God! Thank you for being such a good helper, wanting to be helpful and wanting to learn how to do things. Thank you for the sweet moments when you still act little, wanting to sit in my lap and snuggle with me. Thank you for being such a sweet sister to Jacob. Nothing warms my heart more than hearing the two of you playing nicely together.

I see so much of us in you. Of course, you look like Daddy. But, you have my long legs and my wavy hair. I see my love of learning and reading. I see Daddy's competitive side. I see my need for independence and alone time. I see Daddy's need for conversation when it's quiet. And yet, I still see you becoming your very own person. I look so forward to seeing how you will grow and change every year.

So, here's to another year of you looking forward to another birthday while I hope to hold it off as long as I can. I love you, my precious big girl. SO much.

Love, Mommy