Eight

Time.  It just doesn't slow down, does it?

I'll be honest.  I've had a hard time with that the past few years.  I've lost some dear loved ones, and I'm living the bitter-sweetness of watching my kiddos get bigger.

But, I'm not going to talk about sad today.  

I am going to talk about time.  It really is amazing how it happens and how kids grow and change without you having to do much.

C Girl is becoming a big girl.  I hate to admit it, but it's true.  The other day, she asked when she could start shaving her legs O_O

My first instinct was to say, "never!" But, I asked her "why?"  She said, "my hairs on my legs are starting to get long."  "well, that's because you're a kid!" I said.

Amazingly, it was left at that.

I know things like that are in my future, but I'm just not ready to admit that I have a kiddo that old yet. I'm trying to keep her a little girl for as long as possible.

C Girlie, everyone who really knows you, knows that you are your "own person."  You are precious, beautiful, smart and sweet.  You are also stubborn, sassy and have to get your way.

But, I love you for every single one of the things that you are.  You wouldn't be our girl, without all of that.

I'm so proud of how you weren't afraid to be at a new school.  I'm so thankful of your confidence.  I know it comes from getting older, but you have had some awesome teachers at school and church who have helped build that confidence up.

No matter how crazy you can drive me, I love you infinitely times more.  I know how difficult relationships can be between mothers and daughters.  I pray often for our relationship.  I want it to be good and strong.  Right now, I have to be momma, but someday, I want to be best friends.

I know I must be doing a halfway decent job, because everyone always says how sweet and well-behaved you and your brother are at church and school.  Regardless of how you may sometimes act at home, I'm so very thankful of how you know to behave around others.

You are such a funny, funny girl.  People don't know that until they get to know you.  You absolutely love making people laugh.  I hope you always keep that trait.

I feel like I'm getting emotional and rambling, so I'll stop.  

We are so very proud of you and we are looking forward to seeing all that you will accomplish!

I love you more than words can say, Cbaby.  Happy, happy birthday my 8 year old girlie.