Today she's ten

She's compassionate, kind, athletic, brave, hilarious and wise. She likes kicking up in handstands, running down hills, various and assorted competitions, and making us laugh. She likes to stay curled up under the blankets "just a few more minutes" but bounds through her day as soon as her feet hit the floor. She makes me feel purposeful, proud, humble and in love.

She can use her wit to outmaneuver my frustration.  Like the other day when I asked her for the fifteen thousandth time in her ten years on Earth if she had opened her blinds and she looked me straight in the eye, batted her lashes, allowed her smile to be fully eclipsed by her dimples and said, "maaaaay-be."

This morning as she was opening a ridiculously expensive baby doll that she has wanted for months and months and I've always managed to talk her out of because I know that in a matter of weeks the doll will be forgotten and at the bottom of a pile of toys, she said thank you in a way that radiated throughout her whole being.  I couldn't stop smiling.  Her thrill, excitement and pure joy sent me to the moon and back.

At ten her doll playing days are numbered and I don't care how much the doll costs anymore.

And this morning I drove her to school knowing I'd come home and make her a cake.  She spent the short ride singing almost every word to Do You Remember.  And punctuating important phrases with fist pumps and booty shakes.

My youngest is ten today.  I've come to realize that I strive to be just like her.  She's unapologetically devoted to her choices and decisions.  She's lives in the moment not worrying about what comes next.  She's constantly and consistently ready for her next adventure.  And makes sure to enjoy it to the fullest.

She finds humor in any situation and manages to use it to her advantage.

And I just can't help but to be drawn to her, wanting to bask in the warmth of her light. 

Happy Birthday Licious.

Thanks for being mine.

Love,
Mom