Happy 7th birthday, Sweet Girl!

I remember her birth the clearest of them all.  It was such a happy, happy time.  I did not have the fears that I had when I gave birth to her older sister....it was just happy.  I remember that I got to hold her a couple of hours after she was born.  I didn't want to let go.  I really thought she was going to be a boy....so I was amazed that I was given another little girl.  I couldn't stop smiling at her.  The nurses finally came in and suggested they weigh her and get her cleaned up.  I did pass her over...although I didn't want to.

She was a super happy, smiley, beautiful baby.  She loved her big sister and I could carry her on my hip everywhere I went.  We were living in Dwight, IL during her early years.  In those days we didn't leave the house much.  We would stay in our PJ's most days and just play. 

But then she turned 3....she was not as blissful.  She was snotty, opinionated, and her temper tantrums were huge.  She could be a very emotional little thing and most of the time it was best you didn't mess with her too much.  Once her brother came along she was a "typical middle child".  Life was not fair and she was going to let you know.  Her temper was HOT!

Then she went to kindergarten.  What an amazing change took place when she got a little independence from me and her sister.  She bloomed.  She has continued to bloom.  She is happy, smart, and wanting to please.  She has wonderful manners and loves to snuggle.  She is nurturing with her brother and other little ones.  I can almost always count on her to help me out when I need help.  Her downfall....she is a slob.  I did not know that until a few months ago.  I always blamed the girl's disgusting room on her older sister.  It was not until they separated into their own rooms that I learn Little Sis was the messy one.  To further the issue....she doesn't care about the mess and has no desire to pick it up!

But, that is okay.  I'll take the one bad with all of the good.  (And...I hardly set a shining example on how to keep things clean.)  My sweet second born is such a joy.

This picture is from today.  

My little fashion diva laid her clothes out 2 days ago in preparation for today.  

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!