8 Wonderful Years!!!

So Alert in May 2003

My Beautiful Easter Belle

I can't believe it's been 8 wonderful and amazing years that I've called you daughter.  You are growing up every day right before our eyes.  It's beautiful, and a little scary sometimes.

Physical stats:
Weight -- 41 pounds (Woohoo we broke 40!!)
Height -- 48 inches
Pants -- 6, sometimes even a 7!!
Shoe size -- almost a 12!!
If you wear your big sneakers you're just tall enough to ride most of the awesome, frightening, rides at King's Dominion!!!

Today you are 8.  You are reading chapter books and having tons of fun writing stories about sharks, girls, and of course princesses and princes.  You absolutely LOVE science and want to do all kinds of science experiments at home.

When you were tiny I'd hold you in my arms and sing to you.  Now we sing together.  Silly Seuss songs.  Adam songs.  Hannah Montana songs.  You LOVE being on stage, especially when you get to share the stage with your special friend Natalie.  The two of you giggle like the adorable silly little girls you are and you always make everyone smile.  I don't have to carry you on stage any more, or even walk you into rehearsal.  You're just fine without me.

You have grown up so much this year.  You have taken on new responsibilities at the house.  You'll help with the dishes and the trash and taking care of Drake.  You know when to get your homework done, and when to play (most of the time).  You get your own breakfast and even pour the lemonade without spilling too much.  We've said goodbye to Thumbkin (even if it still sneaks in when you're sleeping sometimes).

You want so much to be a big girl.  You want to ride the scariest rides at King's Dominion.  You want to help read to Jeffrey.  You love sparkling lip gloss and nail polish.  You're having a big girl birthday party at the salon.

But just remember it's OK to be a little girl too.  To snuggle your mommy and daddy.  To play with your dolls and Petshops.  To sing silly songs and run outside.  Don't grow up too fast on me.  I'm not sure I can take that.

OK, time for the tissues. Here it is. Happy Birthday Beautiful.