To our sweet first baby on her 8th birthday,
You are growing up so fast right before our eyes. I love watching you grow and learn. It takes my breath away sometimes when I realize what a little young lady you are becoming. Sometimes I have to sneak into your room at night and watch you sleep in your footie pajamas to remember just how little you still are. You may be growing up fast, but you will always be my beautiful baby!
You are so smart and diligent. You are fierce about your desire to do things and do them well. On most days, that's a great thing. You are a great student, a detailed artist and a master Lego builder. On some days, it can be your biggest challenge because you can become very frustrated with your imperfections and mistakes. In those moments, I pray often that you would see yourself, your art work, your journey, your growth the way your Mommy and Daddy do, the way God does. You are a beautiful work in progress, just like all of us. Your imperfections are what God will use to shine the brightest and bring you the most joy if you will let him!
You are both strong and gentle, a natural leader who is learning what it means to also follow. You really value "the right thing", responsibility and following the rules. You love to direct, create and teach any chance you get. You still love school and learning, though in second grade the stakes feel higher to you and some days you are over the schoolwork part of things. You love your friends and any chance you get to see them! You always want to craft and create, make gifts and organize fun for people. I love that you love to help me with choreography and prep for my dance classes.
Our glamour girl...in the morning, we can find you carefully choosing your outfit with the perfect accessories (all the bracelets!!!) and pretending to put on mascara with your finger. We are currently working on convincing you that though your perfume is lovely, it doesn't need to be sprayed three times! 😊
We love you more than you can even imagine! Happy Birthday Abby Em!
Love,
Mommy
Unicorns, Lisa Frank stickers, having her own artwork made into a canvas, the styling black coat she asked for (because she felt the one she had isn't her color anymore), jewelry and Pokemon cards. Birthday pancakes and a two hour delay. All the celebrations with two sisters who are her biggest cheerleaders! Phone calls from family and special visits from friends. So grown up, but still so little. So much joy. This is 8!
Loves:
accessories
arts and crafts
Liv and Maddie
holidays
The Greatest Showman
salmon
Justice
dancing all the time
Orange sesame chicken
singing
being a big sister
Jo Jo Siwa bows
unicorns
candy
flowers
cooking with mom
dresses
being outside as much as she can
The Boxcar Children
Owl Diaries
being a mommy to MaryEllen and Lea
learning new things
tell jokes
cheese
bananas
being told what to do
gym class (unless Mommy is teaching dance)
danger
being laughed at when you don't think it's funny
cleaning your room
gluten
Abby opens Ella's gift:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7qVMjfUv2U&feature=youtu.be
One of ways we celebrated was with a family dinner. Grandma, Casey and Uncle Cory joined us this year. The birthday girl broke out Mario Kart and enjoyed every minute of the crazy family time.
The face of a girl who is excited about her new frame that she specifically asked for. When did my baby get big enough to ask for things like frames and a new coat for her birthday?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soweqTH0AjY&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABAxjua1n34&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPWpBfppwtA&feature=youtu.be
Juliet sings "her song" with Grandma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Os_IYCZw34&feature=youtu.be
Before Abby's friend birthday party, the three of us got manicures and chose our most unicorn inspired colors to be party ready.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU38SuSP03w&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upL0H8_LMrQ
And finally, Abby's 8 year old interview!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upL0H8_LMrQ
