According to the calendar, tomorrow is your eighth birthday. How can this possibly be? Just one minute ago you were my little bald baby who loved to wear tutus and play dress up. Now you love to dress in "workout clothes." You say it is because that is what I wear. I call you my "Sporty Spice" and am having a hard time seeing all those dresses hanging in your closet all but forgotten, except for special occasions. This is the first year you haven't picked out a special dress for your party. This year's theme is soccer and you have your new Under Armour outfit that daddy bought you all ready to go! Your shirt says, "All Heart" and that is the perfect description of you! You have a heart of gold, my sweet girl.
And although some things have changed over the past year, you are still you. You are confident and sweet with a little sass on the side. Your smile and laugh are contagious. You have a wonderful imagination. You are such an amazing and loving daughter and sister. Daddy and I count our blessings every single day. Zachary worships the ground you walk on and Alex looks to you to make sure you think he is cool. You love your cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles so much. This fall you are going to be a flower girl in your Uncle Dave and Aunt Lauren's wedding. You and Stella are going to steal the show. Stella, I have to mention the amazing bond you share with your cousin Stella. Stella is the little sister you have always wanted. She follows you around and you are so patient and loving towards her.
You are a second grader. You play travel soccer. You can read chapter books. You are an amazing swimmer. You love lacrosse, basketball and dance and are learning how to play tennis and golf. You are an talented writer and artist. You love the beach and boating, and Turks and Caicos is your favorite place. You love to wear flip flops, eat mini muffins, jump on the trampoline. Fusion is your favorite restaurant. You love chocolate, but are not a big fan of gummies, ice cream or cake. Giraffes are still your favorite animals, and you continue to insist that one day you will own one as a pet. And although you are growing up, you still love to collect stuffed animals, and you sleep with music playing and cuddling your Gigi every night.
You are a diligent student and always try your best in school. All of your life people have wanted to be near you. Your smile and hugs can make even the worst day bright again. You have so many friends because you are kind, compassionate and fair. At any given moment you and Kaitlyn and Sadie can be found at our house in the middle of a never-ending playdate. You work together to create zoos for your stuffed animals and build elaborate lego creations. Or sometimes you just giggle and chat for hours!
We have had such a fun year. We spent many winter days snowed in, sledding, watching movies and eating s'mores. We went to Turks and Caicos, took many trips to the beach, spent a weekend in Deep Creek with the Deys, went hiking at Mount Saint Mary's, and spent lazy days this summer at the pool. But even on lazy days, you make life fun. Your love for life is contagious. I know that you never lose this zeal and positivity and will always be the sunshine of our lives!
