Sweet Seven it Is

Seven. The baby of the family is seven. There was a day when I never thought we’d be out of diapers, or naptime or all the million other things that come with having an itty bitty.

And, here we are.

Babies really don’t keep.

So instead of wishing for the time back, I’m gonna be oh-so-grateful for the minutes God gave me today with my kids. It’s all we’ve got, y’all. To Gianna, happy seventh birthday sweetheart. We’ll party soon enough. I gotta get your older sister confirmed and street legal first!

Without any further delay, enjoy this year’s birthday letter.

Dear Gianna,

Oh boy. This year you CAME INTO YOUR OWN. Yes, that deserved capital letters. You’ve always had a sweet streak to you, but the sass emerged this year. You’re still sweet, though. You just got determined and found your voice.

We decided to do a second lap of kindergarten for a multitude of reasons, but at the end of the day it was the very right one. You are flourishing. The bonus is you’ll be driving before all your friends, ha! But seriously, we’ve seen such leaps and bounds in your development. The pandemic offered you time and one-on-one teaching/learning with your teachers. An answer to prayer. You’re gonna do great things, kiddo.

Every night when we put you to bed you shout, “Have a good sleep! I’ll see you in the mornin’!” And I almost cry because it’s so cute. You get excited about cute pajamas, fun underwear, socks with the days of the week, Torchy’s queso, going to school, eating cinnamon toast and riding in the van. That joy is what keeps our family smiling. Someday I hope you will come to know just how important you are to all of us.

Your heart is so tender and sometimes the tears bubble up when we yell out dinnertime and you realize play time is over. But I think that kind and enthusiastic heart will always serve you well. Don’t ever lose it, okay?

You love to read. Pete the Cat is a fan favorite. When we run errands you have to assemble an entire truckload of things: baby, baby’s car seat, blanket, backpack, purse, sunglasses and a snack. Heaven forbid if we leave one behind.

Torchy’s queso, Whataburger Dr Pepper shakes, Aggie football, after Mass drinks from Quik Trip, quesadillas, chicken nuggets, sweet tea, swings, riding your bike and scooter and coloring on anything but paper are your favorites. I love them all but one! You often say, “Oh, I LOVE that,” and then you giggle. Your expressions are Oscar worthy, especially when you’re surprised.

Going to see Willy Billy at college is high on your list of favorite things to do, right up there with going to Sonic happy hour, playing outside and seeing John Paul in the school carline to pick you up. You make a million messes and everyone always blames you, but make no mistake. The baby is always the favorite. Now I get it.

Happy seventh birthday Gianna. You are loved, cherished and celebrated here!

Love,

Mom