she's seven

As I pull my groggy new 7 year old out of the vehicles this evening she asked, "Mom do I feel older?" Me, feeling completely puzzled ask her back, "Do YOU feel older?" She barely lifted her head and replied, "No, you know, am I heavier?"

That's my Bella for you. My sweet, logical, innocent girl.



It's so hard for me to imagine this little girl of mine is now 7. It doesn't seem like 7 years ago that I brought her home from the hospital. It doesn't seem like 7 years ago that I became a mother. It's doesn't seem like 7 years ago that my life was changed forever, and yet, as I watched her all day having the time of her life, indeed seven years has past away in a blink of an eye. Where does the time go?

Bella has always had a very special place in my heart. From the beginning I've known she was different from most kids. Often quiet and kept to herself. I have come to learn how much apart of her that quiet is. She needs it and even craves her time alone to recharge. I am impressed at how much she already understands herself to be willing to walk away and give herself time.



She is the sweetest person I have ever met. Though, still a kid and has her moments, she really lives to please and often gives into others so they will be happy. She has a big heart that she often times tries to hide, almost like she isn't quite sure how to let the emotion out. That's one of the reasons I feel she has turned to writing. I believe she is more comfortable expressing herself through her written word. I am grateful she has found an outlet and hope in time she will get to know this amazing beautiful person I see when I look at her.

Summer 06

She is fabulous at the violin and I've been amazed at how quickly she has picked it up. She tells me she wrote a story in school about becoming a professional violinist. I would love to see her reach that goal, especially since it has become something we do together. Apparently she is really great with rhythm and singing because she's singing in a duo next month at her school program. Speaking of school, she has a passion for learning and can pretty much memorize anything. It is her gift and I've often believed her to have a photographic memory.

Spring 06

She loves to play with friends (her 2 best above, and best cousin below), especially when make believe is involved. She has quite the imagination and is willing to bring anyone into her magical world that is willing. The current game is "cats & owners". Don't ask, but it literally takes my girls out of my hands for hours.

So today on her seventh birthday, since she is so fond of all things stuffed animal, I took her and her "best cousin" Whitney to build-a-bear.

It was quite the adventure and one I ended up doing all alone since Adam was sick. After picking up a cat named "Orange Stripe" and a dog named "first Maxie then later changed to Sophie" and a request to ride the Nordstrom escalators we headed to McDonald's. Then home for some playing so I could get a bit of down time. Then off again to a near by park. Once we got back we got ready and headed to Chili's (Bella's favorite) for dinner with my family. Back to my parents for cake and ice-cream and gifts. Just writing this all out makes me feel exhausted, especially since her father missed the whole thing :(. It was certainly a busy day, but she love it all. She told me when we got to my parents house, "today has been the best birthday ever!" I guess that makes all the running around & party planning totally worth it.

BTW she loved my gift.