Just my Daughter

My Dearest Carly,

I write this a few weeks after you have turned 8 years old. You are one amazing young woman and you have had a wonderful year. You FLEW through 2nd grade with ease. I hate that you doubt your abilities in math when you are actually very good at it. I love that you have discovered music in a more profound way and are often seen with your MP3 player as a companion.

You have begun to make decisions about your choice of hairstyle and wardrobe and I attempt to let you make them without too much of my input. You are very independent. You have an amazing smile that can make any room light up as you enter it.

You have tolerated endless hours of watching your brother play baseball without to many complaints. I am sure the payback is coming this fall as he is stuck watching you on your newest endeavor…swim team!!

You love your Littlest Pet Shop toys and have recently discovered Webkinz. Of course your favorites are the kitties!

You have many friends but TWO best friends. One is Brooke and the other is Princess. Both are BFF!

You really became joined at the hip with your cousin Kari while we visited Colorado. You wanted to be JUST LIKE HER and still do. She is your new hero.

You also shared your LOVE of High School Musical with your cousin Kristy and given the chance I am sure the two of you could have talked for hours about how CUTE Zac Efron is and how you LOVE him and want to MARRY him.

You joined the ranks of the “pierced” on our special day when I took a half day of work and surprised you with lunch at Noodles and Co then a shopping trip at the Mall and a stop at Piercing Pagoda….you barely flinched when they pierced your ears with those tiny pink gemstones. You have even insisted on wearing your hair back for all the world to see your newly pierced ear lobes.

We cuddled on the couch just a few nights ago and talked of your future plans while watching High School Musical 2. You want to be a Vetrinarian and help animals…and of course… be Mrs. Efron too!

Carly- I love you with all my heart. I hope and pray that you enjoy being 8- and all that has to offer. Please dont be in such a hurry to grow up. Stay as wonderful and compassionate as you are. Continue to learn and grow (except maybe those feet could slow down)-you are beautiful and smart and funny and just simply delightful.

You ARE my favorite….daughter.

Love,

Mom