To quote you: "DOUBLE DIGITS BABY!"
You're looking quite grown up today. We've crossed the line into full fledged preteen as I watch you dance around the living room. Maybe it's your crop top and straightened hair or your bracelets swinging from your wrists with waves of body spray filling the room. You definitely look TEN!
You spent the last year being you. There were two nights on dance classes, tears about I don't even know what, falling in love with Laura Ingalls Wilder, and lots of road trips. You love the littles at daycare and they love you so much. You've actually acquired patience along the road of the last year. I've been amazed at your perseverance. A year ago you decided to give an acro class a try. You could barely do a cartwheel, yet you said, "I'll learn." And you did. You have. You know you're far from perfect, but you never stop trying, never giving up. When you want something, you go for it.
There's a conversation we recently had while we were whale watching in Seattle (actually in Canadian waters) that sums up what you're like and what life with you is like. We were watching humpback whales jump out of the water when you stated,
"It's so beautiful. I could just cry. I always wanted to see a humpback whale and now I did."
Taken aback by your claim, I responded, "you did? I didn't know that."
You smiled and said, "yeah, I didn't know until today."
You had no idea it was something you wanted until you saw it, experienced it. You're ready for anything, to see, try, and do it all. It's what makes you YOU. Unpredictable, full of surprises, trying it all.
Year ten is bound to be a memorable one for you. You'll go back to the school building in the fall, completing your last year of elementary school. I'm beyond excited for you to return to our beloved neighborhood school. While homeschooling agreed with you and allowed you to sleep until 10 a.m. whenever you wanted. I'm ready for you to have your own fifth grade experience. I think you're ready too.
I've always admired your ability to do what you wanted no matter what was going on around you. It's a quality I hope you keep throughout life. What I'm truly saying, Elizabeth Ann, is that I love you for being you. You amaze me, keep me on my toes, and make my days better in every way. I'm so glad you still hug me goodnight and request me to tuck you in every single night. I love that you seem disappointed when I can't be home for bedtime. Not because you're disappointed, I hate seeing that, but I love that you still want me around for those times.
I love you more and more each day! Thank you for making our lives better in every way, challenging us, and loving us. Happy 10th Birthday Elizabeth!
Love Always and Forever,
Mom
