Scarlett, age 8

Dear Scarlett- I haven't posted on our blog much lately, because we are always so busy.  Shuttling you to and from swim team practice, or Spanish class, or school or playdates.  Playing board games.  Your favorite things are swimming, spending time with your cousins (some things don't change) and reading.  For your birthday, friends gave you art supplies and lots of Powell's gift cards.  We gave you ukulele picks, a Willy Wonky lunch box and another gem from Lemony Snicket.  You love wearing zany pants.  You still love Arnie the most.  You walk around with a book in front of your face, ignoring us, or you sit at the breakfast table reading and not touching your food.  You are cuddly and loving and full of hugs, but you also like to spend time alone in your room, listening to audio books and doing art projects. 

Tonight we had your usual birthday dinner- take-out sushi.  We had an ice cream cake.  I made chocolate pretzel wands to bring into your classroom- although you and your classmates had already had plenty of Valentine's Day sugar by that point.  You are currently asleep in our bed, because you ask to fall asleep there regularly.  Then daddy carries you into your room and lifts you up onto your loft.  This is hard, because you have gotten bigger, but it's also very sweet.

You dazzle me.  I am constantly impressed with the person you have become.  Your observations and kindness, how easily you pick up humor, your confidence. Watching you become this bold 8-year old has been the biggest adventure of my life.  I love you the most.

Love, Mama