seven

she did it. she found a way. despite all my requests to stay away from the seven, she found it.

our baby turned 7.

she hasn't turned back, not once. it's as if she packaged her 6 in a box, wrapped it with a bow, and then shuffled it back behind her, leaving it for the next beautiful little girl to grab it and open it.



i have always known that boys and girls are different. in theory and in reality, of course. but this one, this milestone, feels even moreso, far more different in comparison. when the little man turned 7 it was another year of "little fella". the little boy still remains even today at 8.5. she seems so ..... big. she seems so independent. she seems so self-sufficient.



{sigh}



why do little girls do this to their mommies?? there is a place in my heart carved out, a warm and delightful spot that she gets to call hers. she might not really know it. she may never understand it. (perhaps i have the same spot within my mom's heart, and i am discovering that now ... much older than 7) i loathe the thought that she won't need me someday, or worse want me around her.

until then, though, i will take pictures. i will be a part of their life. i will enjoy, and be grateful for the time that i have been given with them. i will love.

and i will send them off to school for the first day way, way too eary because that's what our town does. :O(

but alas, the obligatory first day photos .....

yes, off the neighborhood went to the safe, wonderful school we call ours. off to start a whole new year of learning, and achieving, and enjoying the gift of education.

they had a great day ... all smiles, and chatter as they bounded off the bus.

now though, now it's time for sleeping. lots of it. one thing that my kids do very, very well .... sleep. :O)