Double digits!

Happy Birthday to our totally terrific 10-year old!! I can’t believe we have shared a decade together already.  I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. And Greta girl, it has been a blast.

Whether you are helping me cook in the kitchen (you make a mean meatball and love having “Chopped” competitions with your brother), curled on the couch reading a book (and randomly reading passages out loud because you love the words so much that you wish to share them with anyone in earshot—including the cat), or zipping around the block on your bicycle, this past year has been one of increasing independence and responsibility.

You create elaborate worlds when playing with your friends and brother (yes, you still play together, and quite nicely, most of the time), designing settings, family histories, and spinning fascinating stories inspired by the Warriors series and its companion novels. We have even lost the closet in Lincoln’s room to your elaborate cave creation! You also still have a flair for fashion, color, and design, and create amazing ensembles from silk scarves and a handful of rubber bands.

You gave gymnastics a whirl with the goal of learning how to do a cartwheel, and you are nearly there. I have no doubt that with practice and focus you’ll be kicking up those heels in no time. You are enjoying tennis, and fell in love with Quidditch this past year, which was no surprise since you are on your fourth or fifth or sixth reading of the Harry Potter series. You recite passages from memory, and we recently bought a paperback copy of The Deathly Hallows so you don’t have to lug the hardcover version around in your backpack. 

Yes, you are a truly avid reader.  From sunrise until we insist on “light’s out,” a book is your ever-present accessory.  If you ask anyone at school to say one thing about you, it would be “she loves books!” Your teachers love that voracious appetite, and are thrilled to have you in class. You are a quiet leader at school, working hard, helping your classmates learn, earning the respect of your peers, and setting a very good example. You make us very proud to be your parents.

You are rather mature, and often linger near the grownups at our get-togethers to hear conversation and contribute your thoughts. Daddy and I send you off to play with your friends with knowing smiles, thinking, “don’t be in such a hurry to grow up!” Your insight often makes me pause, as I wonder how such honest observations can come from such a young mind.

On this morning of your birthday, I think back to our first days together, and how your sweet spirit, determination, and sensitivity have been ever-present. I marveled at you then, and continue to do so. You have grown into a kind, smart, fun, and compassionate young lady. We are blessed to be your parents and love you so very much. Happy birthday, darling Greta!