7! Seriously?

Happy seventh birthday, Greta!

Another year has zipped by, and today we celebrate your sassy, classy, sensational self.

You love things of beauty--anything that sparkles, shines, and has lots of color and detail...especially jewelry and seashells and flowers. Recently you declined an opportunity to pick a toy or book at three toy stores when we were on vacation, wanting instead to go into a gallery where you selected a beautiful handmade glass-layered necklace. You have very good taste!

You also love things that are delicate: a robin's eggshell, a dandelion puff, harmless insects, babies of any kind. Your instinct is to nurture and protect, and your sense of wonder makes me take time to appreciate the beauty around me. Your eyes in nature astound me, and I feel so blessed to have you share your observations with me.

You are a selfless child, offering your brother half a dessert, your "book privilege," first turns. You rush to his aide if you perceive any injustice. You recently donated eight inches of your lovely locks for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths campaign, and said you want it to grow fast to do it again. (When you see others with long hair you comment that they should donate, too.)

With a beautiful "bob" you suddenly grew up this year. Not only did you look much older, you acted it, too.  You insist on brushing and styling your hair yourself, and protest if we try to assist. And with your long legs, most people think you're already 8! You think deep thoughts, ask hard questions, and are beginning to master the art of dramatic sighs.  "Girls Rule" is your mantra, and you're a force to be reckoned with. Heaven help us when you're a teenager! As much as I admire and encourage your independence, you also like to test limits. You are old enough to know better, but young enough to still try and get away with things.
 
Countless boys have had crushes on you this year, but you still say that Duncan is who you will marry. You also say you don't want to grow up, will never move away, and won't have babies. The next day it's, "I'll be a mom someday," or "I might be a teacher... or a dancer... or an orthodontist." I don't know what you will choose, but am eager to see where your interests take you.

You've had a great year at school, and your teachers, Mrs. Dorton and Ms. Reilly, have loved having you in class. You are inquisitive, respectful, and a very hard worker. You love to read, and lately are fascinated with poetry. Your art is incredible--again, an eye for details that just makes me shake my head and smile.  I love catching you in an "aha!" moment learning equations or fractions or logic problems. I am so happy that you genuinely like school.

You are a very responsible kid, reminding me of key turns, picking up your room, and looking out for your brother. You've been making the case for adopting a kitten, and I think we're starting to sway Daddy! I have no doubt that you are ready for that responsibility. We just need to work on the logistics.

Your father and I look at you in awe. You are growing into such a beautiful, compassionate, smart young lady. I still catch a glimpse of my princess-ballerina-dreamer, but now when I look at you I more often see a determined, focused and motivated girl who is figuring out what life is all about. It's a privilege to be your mom and share this journey with you, chickadee, dee, dee. I love you so much!