I often say that I am thirty something going on thirteen. I have recognized lately that I must be rubbing off on my daughter, as mothers tend to do, because she doesn't always act her age either.
Seven years ago my life was forever changed by the most beautiful person I had ever seen. I never knew my heart could hold that much love. I also never could have dreamed or imagined the person that talks and walks and creates and dreams and feels so deeply and brings me so much joy. At seven years old, she already tries to keep me grounded (although it doesn't necessarily work.). Just last night I turned to Keira and made a somewhat snide comment directed toward my mom, all in good fun of course, and Keira's eyes widened and bore into my own while a firm command to "STOP" made its way through her clenched teeth. She regularly reminds me that my bathroom humor is gross and that I need to quit because she doesn't want to listen to it anymore. She knows all about kindness and love and friendship. She calls her brother and sister her "siblings" and teaches them Bible stories and their meanings. She loves sushi and chooses a yogurt parfait over pancakes and carrot sticks over French fries. Is she 7... or 47?
In other moments she rolls her eyes at me way too readily and manipulates situations to try to get her own way. It often seems to be her main goal to get her brother in trouble, while getting away with as much as she possibly can. She cares way too much what others think and sometimes doubts her gifts and abilities, but is willing to enter into conversation with me to work through it. She loves getting her nails done, her hair curled, and new clothes. She gets agitated when I ask her about boys, but worries about how she is going to find someone to marry. She makes thoughtful decisions and exercises her independence. Is she 7... or 17?
My favorite moments are when she tells me that she wants me cuddle with her while she watches cartoons and when she reaches for my hand and grips it tightly when we cross the street or walk through a parking lot. Thunderstorms and bad dreams send her to the safe place between her Daddy and I. She gets over the top excited about Disney movies and always picks books about puppies or bunnies on library day. Her laughter rings through the house indicating that she doesn't have a care in the world. She loves dressing up like a princess, coloring, and playing endlessly in the backyard. Sometimes I forget, but I am often reminded, she is 7, 100% and completely 7 years old.
Happy 7th Birthday to the little lady who has changed my life forever. I love you, Keira. Don't grow up too fast.
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