Happy Birthday to You!

Anna Cate is eight! She is eight-years-old. All of the chubbiness of babyhood is gone, she is long and lean and athletic. She has survived a year of school, learned a few interesting words and even tells the same, "I chinese, I play joke, I put tee-tee in your coke" joke that I remember from my childhood. She has opinions and interests and feelings that are way beyond those of just a year ago. And she wanted to host a party at BouncU this year. One where she could invite all her special friends. So, that is what we did.

Luckily, her birthday fell on a Saturday this year and began with a big helping of homemade "dirt" cake. She always gets to choose what she wants for breakfast on her birthday, but this is the first year she actually took advantage of the concept of "anything".

Then off to the party we went. All of the most important friends were there. First and foremost, Molly was able to come. Those two girls share a very special little bond and have for over two years now. The only person she missed from class was Chase, her chosen boy friend of the year (and by that I mean friend that is a boy). And our closest family friends were able to make it too.

They laughed, screamed and ran around like maniacs. They were all dripping with sweat by the time cake and presents rolled around. They screamed while singing, "Happy Birthday to You" and when it was time to blow out the candles, I told AC to make a wish. She looked at me sweetly and said, "I don't have anything else to wish for."

Mother's Day 2011 - In My Daughter's Eyes

My daughter is growing - and quickly. I see it in little things she does or says, things that scream out to me that she is no longer my little baby. I can see the future, I can almost feel the close proximity of the tween and teen years. I know my preeminence as the smartest, kindest, coolest, most beautiful person in her world is coming to an end. There are moments that I find myself wanting to freeze frame, when she comes to me with a smile in her eyes and reaches up to rub noses or says something that melts my heart. But, because I can't actually freeze time, I am attempting to at least record it.

This is me, in my daughter's eyes...

When talking about the male parent that also volunteers in her classroom, "Yeah, the boys talk to him. But, the boys and girls come up and hug you and talk to you. You are the most popular parent, you are also the nicest."

While looking at her chest, "I think they are growing. Do you think they will ever get as big as yours? You are like a model...or a movie star." (Oh, sweet, delusional child)

After spitting out her mouthwash, "Will this mouthwash make my teeth as white as yours? Yours are really white, they shine when you smile."

Sitting together, eating lunch and AC asks how old I am. After hearing the answer, she looks at me and says, "If I didn't know better, I would think you were 25."

I bought a new wind chime to replace the broken one the previous owners had left behind. Matthew noticed it a couple of days later and asked where I bought it. AC said, "You bought that, Mom? It looks like one of the beautiful creations you make."

After telling her how many miles I ran one day she said, "I'm happy for you mom, but I'm also a little sad. You and Dad are going to be ironman champions and I'm just going to be left behind." (For the record, I have NO plans to be ironman anything, except maybe cheerleader.)

And finally, my Mother's Day poem...

I love you, Mom
I love it when we snugle!
When I am sick you always say: "Are you okay?"
Thank you for caring for me
When I grow up I hope we can be nabors.
You are the best mom!

    by: Anna Cate