Happy 8th Birthday to My One and Only Daughter

To: My One and Only Daughter,

I can't say it seems like yesterday you were just born.

I feel like I've been your Mommy forever.

Since the day you were born, my life has been so fulfilling.

I love being your Mommy more than anything in this world.

I've been a teacher since before you were born.

I used to feel bad for people who's kids had grown to be second graders because you were the cutest and cuddliest little baby.  Then you were the smartest toddler.  Then you were in preschool and I couldn't love you any more.  Your personality was starting to shine through.  I was certain that was my favorite age.  Then you started school and you were so smart and sassy in kindergarten.  

I was so proud to be your Mommy!

But this year....

Finally I had my own second grader.
After all those years thinking I would be sad when you were a big second grader, once again I surprised myself because THIS is the best age ever!
Not only can you read anything, the other day you came home from a play date and told me you were talking to your friend's neighbor about the Dollhouse Series and found out there was a third book.
Not only do you read, but you discuss books and series and you're so passionate about them.

Liv not only gave you your own copy of Alice in Wonderland (which you read in one day) she also inscribed it for you.

Mama Jeanne gave you your favorite series Percy Jackson.

You LOVE these books right now!

You famous line before bed is, "Just one more page...."

Even though you're amazingly smart 

(and officially labeled gifted - hey it's your birthday I can brag a little)

you are still a normal little girl who still loves the birthday shirts I buy for you.

You LOVE your little brothers like nothing else.

You and Christian are truly best friends.

He was so excited for you today!

He couldn't wait for you to wake up.

You're finally tall enough to go on most adult rides at MOA.

We held hands on this ride.  Not because you were scared, but because we love each other so much.

I think we were both happy to be just the two us, flying high above everyone else.

Your true passions are dinosaurs and underwater creatures.

If Minnesota had a Dinosaur Restaurant I'm certain that's where we would have had your birthday dinner.

But instead we went to Rainforest Cafe.

While walking to the restaurant you said, 

"Oh, I just can't wait to eat!"

I said, "Are you starving?"

You said, "Well, I don't really care about eating.  I just want to get inside there!"

We got you a great seat next to one of the aquariums.

This little guy was excited for you too!

You are the best big big sister!!

You really are!

I love when I hear you talk to him in your Mommy voice.

You're so patient and loving.

He loves you so much!

You've recently told me you want to be a Mommy.

Which is a big change because you usually say you will only be concerned about your career as a paleontologist and not about having children.

Since we've had "Patoochka" you realize how much fun being a Mommy is!

Here's the dessert you wait for all year!

They sang to you and you shyly loved every moment.

For two months Christian knew what he was going to get you for your birthday.

Your own "high quality" bow & arrow set.

Tonight you told him, "This is the best gift of my life."

He was beaming.

I know you were exaggerating.

I love that you wanted to make him feel good. 

You wanted to come to school with me this morning.

You wanted to be the first one in your classroom.

You were excited to pass out your mini muffin treats.

Of course, for dinner tonight we had to have Chinese food - your favorite!

Your birthday menu included sweet and sour pork, fried rice and chicken chow mein.

Mama & Papa joined us.

Low and behold you got more books!

They got you a new Mystery Series.

You couldn't wait to start reading!

You are so loved by so many.

Only a couple more weeks until your party day!

When we cuddle at night and I rub your hair and we talk about your day I truly feel like the luckiest Mommy in the world.  You are smart.  You are kind.  You are so thoughtful.  You are funny.  You are athletic.  You are my sweet angel and I love everything about you.  

I couldn't have dreamt for a more perfect daughter than you. 

I love you so much!

After all these years, I finally realize, the best is yet to come.

Love, Your One and Only Mommy