Sep
19
2010
ode to eight
Funny how it seems she was just a snoozing infant in my arms. We could barely wake her to eat…a tiny little bundle full of fresh life and promise. Now she is eight. Just like that. And with the world still in front of her…she is starting to claim her own little space. She’s a beautifully quirky girl with a compassionate heart that teaches me everyday. She’s quick to forgive and rarely harsh. She’s determined, thoughtful, wildly creative, a voracious reader, and a mess at the dinner table.
I love her {still} toothless grin and the way she wakes up every day happy and ready to take on the world. I love her spunky style, her infatuation with all things horses/ponies, and her ability to diffuse any tense moments with a rendition of the “monkey dance”. I love that she still plays baby dolls and “puppies” and still thinks the latest teen idol is “Hannah Botanna”. She marches to her own drum this zany girl!
I’m so proud of the little lady she is becoming…full of grace and compassion…with a heart for God that exceeds her little body. We may not always agree on bedtimes or her latest wardrobe choice…but I rarely question her tenderness with others.
We stole away a few nights ago to a favorite little spot to take some birthday photos. She’s not normally a huge fan of my camera but came along willingly (or maybe it was the ice cream bribe that solidified the deal). And other than almost being eaten alive by bugs we had a great time. “I did pretty good, huh Mommy!”…she said on the trek home. “Yeah baby…you rocked it.” 
I hope she always find the beauty in others. I pray she loves God first and then creatively finds ways to spread that love around. I trust that she is going to do something great someday.
Happy Birthday baby girl.
Oh, how I love this girl, too. She is beautiful inside and out. I truly LOVE her heart. So, very precious…..and to think at one time your were pretty sure you would have ugly children! I am so glad that she shares Emma’s birthday and is happy about it!
Hug her for me!
Love it! She is beautiful, what a wonderful description of her heart.
Can I keep her? Hugs and kisses, stars for wishes!!!!
She is such a beautiful little girl….her eyes are so beautifully unique…just like she is! Love the picture of her with her books…she reminds me so much of my Sophia, whose books are her favorite possession! I have a secret obsession with sunflowers…maybe it’s because I’m “a born and raised in Kansas girl”….so I loved all of these pics!!!
wow what a beautiful girl, both inside and out! these photos are just gorgeous and I love the insight you share into her developing character! I hope that you record these thoughts and one day share them with her – what a beautiful gift that would be for a young woman, the insight of her mother as she has grown!!
thank you so much for your generosity in sharing!
Great pics of your birthday girl! Eight *is* great and I loved your “tribute” to her!
happy birthday, a! she is such a beauty, just like her mama. wonderful captures, jenn.
Look at those beautiful eyes…happy birthday…
Beautiful. Look at those eyes sparkle with love and laughter. The pictures are beautiful as always!