{seven years old}

Each year on their birthdays, I like to take a moment to jot down a look at the kids...the things they like to play with, read, eat, etc. It's about a month overdue, but here's my look at seven for my favorite little girl-

At seven years old, Gracie:

• loves clothes, fashion, getting her hair and nails done, and all other things pretty
• is a bit of a night owl like her mama and usually pops out of bed about thirty minutes after she should be asleep to tell me that she is not tired
• loves American Girl dolls
• still really enjoys being read to, but is now an independent reader as well
• can not control her temper around her five year old brother
• is an amazing caretaker and is the first to run for a bandage or ice if anyone gets hurt
• loves Taylor Swift music and sings along very loudly and enthusiastically
• thinks just about anything is better when dipped in ranch dressing or covered with salt
• loves to draw and paint
• is very sensitive- can go from laughing to crying in the same minute
• adores babies
• still has only lost two tooth and is very ready to lose more
• really wants to wear earrings but doesn't want to get her ears pierced
• wants me to sign her up for an acting class
• misses her friends in Zionsville
• is really excited to begin second grade
• could eat an entire bag of popcorn in one sitting if given the chance
• wants to carry a purse on outings, but occasionally forgets she has it and leaves it behind at a restaurant or store
• loves lemonade
• changes her outfit at least three times a day
• loves to go to Borders for a book and a hot cocoa
• enjoys helping me around the house, but hates to clean her room
• has begun to ask to watch older shows like iCarly instead of the "little" shows that Luke likes to watch
• still likes to hold my hand and sit on my lap
• continues to be in the 30th percentile for height and weight- right where she has been since she was itty bitty
• doesn't really have a shy bone in her body (In fact, she came home from school a few months ago and said that her substitute teacher let the kids have an informal talent show in the classroom. Gracie said she stood up and sang "Sweet Baby James" to her class. Surprised, I asked her if she was shy about singing a solo in front of twenty friends. She told me "no" in a surprised tone- as if it hadn't even occurred to her that someone might hesitate to do this!)
• enjoys helping me make dinner and really enjoys baking desserts
• has a contagious giggle
• is a great student and gets along really well with classmates and teachers
• is growing up way too quickly for this mama!

I love you, my sweet Gracie girl. There is no one quite like you. You make me proud on a daily basis. I adore being your mama, sweet pea! XOXO