It's our anniversary, Chi

My baby girl is NINE. There's now no denying that she is really a preteen -- growing up (and into herself) before my eyes.

I think every mom views this change in a series of spurts, but in the cob webs of recollection, it's remembered as a "blink of an eye" transformation. My baby isn't one...

She's her own person now. She functions within her own carefully guarded world independently and I am but a bystander gawking at her life. Is this what it means to live vicariously throught a child? I selfishly celebrate her triumphs, and there have been many this past year.

Ever desiring to be an artist, Chi has located her long since discarded sketchbooks. When thrown a curveball at school [and I admit that I don't follow baseball, so this metaphor...] she held her bat at ready and hit a homerun. "I have to apply for art club this year," she told me. And she presented a quickly sketched 'application portfolio' self portrait. Though discouraged when I bluntly told her she needed a stronger effort on her piece, she turned out a masterpiece. We actually worked side by side using a photo of her as a model for the portrait. And, as I'd already known, she realized she was a sight artist. She's pursued her art with more fervour now than ever before. She's one of only twenty selected for the now-exclusive art club.

She also managed to earn herself a brick at our elementary school - - making the legacy of us permanent (because my own mark with stylizing the mascot in a yearbook cover contest has long since faded). And though she has struggled with the intensified expectations and work load of fourth grade study, she is an A-B Honor Roll Student. My one regret here is that her teacher fears me (she actually told me this!) as the evil demanding mother who e-mailed her that "a C is average and she will not be." Yes, I set the standards high, and Chi has met them.

In Tae Kwon Do - a sport she has firmly disliked since month three of our 24-month contract - she is ready to test for her blue tip. She's already a green belt and was only expected to make it to blue by the time our contract expires in July. I'm impressed, because the rigor and demand of her Master is beyond that the average adult would tolerate and she accepts his heavily-accented torment with a strength I envy.

Frankly, I think my baby girl is amazing. She continues to thrive in every situation. She is a charming young lady with a sensitive heart and an empathy towards others that I find rare. If ever I wonder what God's plan is, I know He's got a good one. How else would He have matched me to her just when I needed her most? You see, she is my strength and my comfort.

It's our anniversary as a family - - her ninth birthday and my celebration of the greatest gift given to me.

Oh baby, you're not

Dear Ya,

The night before you were born, I was restless. I lay in bed uncomfortably feeling your fierce fight for freedom. My mind raced with thoughts of our first official meeting - what you'd look like, how you'd sound, how you'd feel when finally in my arms. I prayed for a safe delivery and a quick homecoming - - that we'd swiftly be reunited with your sister who prayed devotedly for your healthy arrival. It was an endless night of anticipation.

These last few days I've thought a lot about that baby I birthed. You: with the stunning long lashes, the wide mouth, the huge and deeply soulful eyes. You: who changed my life just when I thought I'd figured it all out. You: who made friends into family. You: who has enriched our understanding of love and devotion. You.



Your ceaseless energy astounds me. Your powerful grasp of language impresses me. Your uncanny ability to adopt and adapt phrases, gestures, and emotions into your own repertoire amazes me. Your tenacious focus and determination - your strength to persevere - inspires me. Your wisdom of character humbles me.
Has it really been three years? Am I really so lucky you're mine?

There are days when you open your eyes and say "Good morning." You wave goodbye and insist on blowing a kiss before leaving the room, even if only a for a moment. You wait for me to return the kiss. You smile broadly, bright eyes shining, when I do. Why are you so wonderful?

You've been telling everyone your birthday is "coming up." You practiced blowing out the candles with my birthday cake. You sing "Happy birthday to me" at random intervals (when you're not singing "Look At Me Now," "OMG," or "Hot & Cold," that is).

If you could read, you'd probably correct something I've written here beginning "Well, actually..." as you are prone to do these days. And then you'd articulate your thoughts on the subject with such clarity that I'm left dumbfounded at your genius.

Did I mention you have a thing for "dump trucks"? Well, actually, they are construction vehicles, but you've decided they all eventually dump something. You said just the other day that you wanted to be bigger so you could drive a dump truck. I bet you'll actually do it, too. You'll hop on your motorcycle and race off to some construction site and spend your day building.

Oh, your future is so promising. The possibilities are bountiful - you need only believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.

I can't wait to see who you become in this next year and all those to come. Happy Birthday, Ya!

Love,

Mommy "Buh-shell"

Things you've said recently:
"Mommy, I can't wait to make a party for my birthday..."
At McD's: "If I don't get a toy, then that means I'm not sitting down."
No idea where this came from: "That frog stuck his tongue right in my nose. He doesn't even know how to get it out."
Me:"hurry up or I'll leave your tail here." You:"Mommy. I DON'T have a tail. I have a booty and a peanut."
Me in reference to a slow vehicle:"Ugggh. Speed it up. He's crawling down the road." You:"He's not. He's in a car."
You grew a huge knot on your noggin. Origin unknown, but your tale was this: an airplane that didn't know how to fly crashed into your head.
At bedtime: "It's not sleeping time." You turn on the light. Chant: "I'm never even going to sleep. Never never never never never never never..."
No matter the answer, any question you ask receives the reply you want to hear rather than what I said... Always in your favor, of course. And when Chi doesn't believe you? You tell your sister: "See, I told you you should listen to her more careful."
When you are tired: "Mom, get in the covers or else...If you don't come in this bed.... MOM!!! Now! Now!"
2yr23mo wisdom upon seeing my boo boo (a scratch): "I told you not to go outside, the bugs will bite. It's too late for you, see?"

Favorites:
Restaurant: El Paso
Store: ChooChoo store (Wegman's)
Favorite Food: Strawberries - - you can eat 2lbs in a single sitting. Tummy ache!
Favorite Vehicle: motorcycle
Favorite Song: was "Oh My Gosh" by Usher, but you're always singing "she wax it all off, Mr. Miyagi" from "Look At Me Now" (so appropriate, I know)
Slightly Obsessive Enjoyment: blowing out candles