the big S I X

I was looking at her yesterday, listening to her play with her sisters, and the shock of her turning 6 left me. She is growing up. My little Tess, the girl who will always be four in my mind is turning into a big girl right before my eyes. It's crazy the way the transformation happens so gradually you don't even see it.



A few things about her that make her the Tess I love so much.

She enjoys being helpful. Yes, I know that sounds sort of strange for a kid, but I always find her looking for opportunities to lend a hand. She does have her moments of laziness, but for the most part she seems to legitimately want to be helpful...she's a pleaser.

She has the absolute best laugh. When she gets going it's rare I want her to stop. I could sit and listen to it for hours.

She is my tomboy. She prefers to play with boys and enjoys boy games. Her favorite movie is Star Wars (we are giving it to her today) and she thinks, "Luke Skywalker is so handsome". Ok maybe not so tomboyish, but who doesn't right? Actually I was a Hans girl myself.



She loves to create things. When I'm in my studio working she pulls out her art box, sit across from me, and colors, or paints, lately she's been into stamping. She actually has this great knack for choosing colors that compliment each other. I am always so shocked to see what she's done and realize how well it all flows. In my book that is some serious skills. This skill actually helps her in fashion too. She always picks out clothing that matches.

She finally lost her first tooth. It has been very loose for days now and on Saturday we got together with some friends, one just happened to be a dentist, and we talked her into letting him pull it. Because her tooth was so small he couldn't' get a good enough grip so he actually used pilers. Can you believe she let him do it? I was shocked. She's usually so timid to try something new, but once she makes up her mind it's rare that she goes back....She wanted the tooth out and the Tooth Fairy to come.



She is so tenderhearted. I would never have guessed Tess would be my most sensitive because she holds her emotions so close and it's rare you get to see what's in there, but when she allows you in she gives it all. I think my most favorite time to be with her is when she's on the emotional side and she just wants to be with me. We sit and I hold her not saying a word, just being there is enough for both of us.

To my sweet Tess, Happy Birthday! I hope all your dreams come true.