Happy Birthday, Abby!

Happy Birthday, Ladybug!

Eight is the first year that begins the transition from kid to teenager....a be"tween," if you will.  Looking at you now, I see more and more who you are becoming and less and less the baby you once were.  You are smart, kind, full of sass, and you wear your heart on your sleeve.

Last year at this time, you were learning the ropes in a new city.  You missed your old friends, but were quickly finding your groove and making new ones.  You LOVED school. Back in Raleigh you liked your school, but it was far from home so it was hard to make too many friends outside of the school walls.  For some reason, you never seemed to find your social groove. Here, you have settled right in and found a fantastic little circle of friends.*  You have found your confidence again when it comes to your social life.  You've always done well in the academic side of school, and this year is no exception.  It hasn't been the easiest year so far, but you are doing really well in second grade!

When the whole Frozen debacle occurred**, it was kind of the beginning of the end of your princess phase.  This year your dad introduced you to the wonderful world of Harry Potter.  You were sucked in from page one and have become fully obsessed with all things HP.  Along with the new found love of Potter, your dad introduced you to Star Wars this year.  Again, you were immediately sucked in.  These days your favorite princess is "Princess Leia." A fact that hurts your momma's heart, but you are nothing if not your own person!***

You've always been an athlete, but this year your sports are really coming together.  You've gotten more confident on the soccer field and though you may not be the leading goal scorer, no one hustles more than you.  You run hard, fast, and don't give up! Your dad and I love watching you play.  Last winter you tried basketball for the first time and did pretty well.  This year's team is a little more competitive skill wise, but you appear to hold your own.  You like basketball, soccer is your first love, but you are also a fantastic little runner.  I've become your running partner out of need (thanks to Daddy's knee trouble) but, even though I would have never picked it for us, I love that time together.  We're very different people and I love that we have running to share.  You've pushed me further than I thought I could go, and can't wait to see where our running goes!

You've always been a sassy little one, but this year has really brought the 'tude.  Sometimes I think those eyes will roll right out of your head, that foot may be stomped right through the floor, and you'll pull a neck muscle with how hard you flip your hair and turn your head at me.  I guess it's only a sign of what is to come.  I certainly don't expect it to go away anytime soon, so we're just trying to let it slide.  (So long as it's not mean.  You cross the line occasionally, but not all that often.  It always really upsets you when I point out the line as been crossed, so I know it's not intentional.  I think it's just a part of growing up.  Mostly, you're sweet and kind.)

I had lunch with you today at school and your assistant teacher from last year stopped by to give you a hug and wish you a happy birthday.  As she was hugging you, she said "you are best, kindest, smartest 8 year old I've ever met." Then she looked at me and said, "I'm serious about that.  I've know a lot of 8 year olds, and she really is.  And best of all, she's humble."  It melted my heart to hear those words.  She was telling the truth.  You are all of those things.

I'm sure this year will be a roller coaster as you navigate this new stage in life, but knowing you I know there will be a lot of highs among the bumps.  Eight years ago you came into this world and completely changed it forever.  I can't imagine where I would be without you as my daughter, I love you so much, Ladybug!

Love,
Mom

*I say this before these 4 girls come over for your sleepover on Friday.  I may change my tune on Saturday ;)
** 3/4 of the way through your 2nd (3rd?) theater viewing you became violently ill.  In the theater.  All over everything and everyone.  From that point on, you had some post traumatic stress and Anna and Elsa became enemies rather than your latest obsession.
*** That being said, you are your father's daughter.  You two are peas in a pod and your mind works just like his.  I am in trouble with you two.  You can already argue circles around me, but despite what you may think you are not smarter than i am! (yet! lol.)