Seven

Ryleigh,

Today you turned seven.

And as much as your mommy
may love birthdays
and making a big deal about them,
this one also made me feel
just a little bit sad.
Because all of a sudden,
you are getting to be so very grown up.
Seven years old, a first grader,
a reader, a big girl bike rider,
a sports' player, an artist.

You will always be "our baby",

only now there's not much
that's still a baby about you.
But rather than dwell on just
how quickly time is racing by,
we will celebrate all the wonderful
big kid things about you on this day.

Like the fact that you spread a little
love and joy everywhere you go.
You are a lover, and a hugger,
you are affectionate and sweet.
You smile easily and often,
you make others do the same.
You endear yourself to those
around you...you always have!
And this makes us very happy.

You are spreading your wings 

at school this year.
You are beginning to read chapter books,
you are learning to write longer stories,
you are working hard, so very hard
to make math come more easily.
You are creative, you are eager
to go to Mrs. Sickler's classroom each day,
to see your friends, to have her read
to the class after recess, to learn more
hunk-a-chunks, or do your class cheers,
or have your artwork hang on her walls.
You are a little sponge learning about time
and money and letter blends and spelling lists.
She describes you as a delight to have in class.
And this makes us so very happy.

You are learning the things that you enjoy,
and spending time mastering them.
You love art class with Miss Linda,
tumbling with Coach Patrick,
softball and soccer,
and this spring you'll play lacrosse.
You love running
and are so very hard to catch.
You love bike riding and scootering,
you are learning to rollerblade
and ice skate.
You love you tube videos
and art hub,
you love slime, play doh, molding clay
and painting.
You love insects of any kind
and can often be found in the backyard
on the hunt for lizards and ladybugs.
You love animals and ask
daily for a pet hamster.
You love your sister and your cousins.
You love your friends and classmates.
You love so much about the world
around you.
And this makes us so very happy.

You are stubborn,
and you are quick to whine.
When you want something,
you make it known.
And while this does not make us happy,
we love the fact that you stand your ground.
You are growing into a strong, confident,
adventurous girl,
and we love to see you make your presence known.

You are creative,
and you have an amazing imagination.
You are kind and caring
and funny,
and you want those around
you to be happy.
You offer words of encouragement
when others need them,
you give a hug when you
feel it will help someone,
you share easily,
you are generous with your sister
and your friends.
And this makes us very happy.

Ryleigh, today we celebrate
seven years with you in our world.
We will sing and eat cake,
and party with your buddies,
and open gifts,
and shower you with hugs,
and let you know how loved
you are...
because you make us so very happy!!