Eight!!

Our amazing first born turns eight years old today.  It is hard to imagine that eight years have passed since she burst into our life, changing it forever.  Elizabeth has grown tremendously over the last twelve months.  She transferred to a new school - a difficult move for her - and bravely handled the tough transition, oftentimes better than Lee and I!  She stayed true to her beliefs and her individuality and by the end of the year, formed some strong friendships.  She continues to do well in school and is conquering her fear of math this summer.  Her appetite for reading cannot be satisfied.  Since January 1st, she has read more than 300 books; I am on a never-ending quest to find more difficult books for her, but am continually challenged by the fact that she reads at a 6th grade level (and many books at that level are not appropriate for her young age).  Her imagination knows no limits - from building fairy houses, to pretend play with her American Girl dolls, to the complex games she invents for she and Emily to play.  Her kind-heartedness knows no boundaries.
In spite of (or, perhaps, because of) her sensitive soul, we are starting to get some glimpses of what her pre-teen and teenage years will bring - bickering with her sister, drama, foot-stomping, door-slamming, and tears.  Although she struggles with these surging emotions, she has grasped the big picture of life in our family and continues to be comfortable in her own skin, and with the fact that she is always going to be different from other kids her age.  And at the end of the day, she is still our little girl - quick with a hug or a kiss, always looking for a snuggle.  She is wise beyond her years and has the ability to interact with adults like no other child her age.  Lee and I marvel at the complexity of her personality: strong, yet sensitive; mature, yet fanciful; smart, yet naive.  We love her so much!  Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

This kid can read forever!! 

Happiest child on earth. 

She might have been born to wear the Catholic school uniform.... 

Loves her American Girl dolls. 

Our beautiful girl.