Seven!

Hope Elizabeth,

Today you are officially SEVEN! Heaven knows we start counting down to your birthday generally around February, so by the time we get here it sure feels HUGE! 

And considering I still see you like THIS, seven is huge.

Your sixth year of life has brought many changes.

Probably the most obvious is all the teeth you've lost.

And I have just loved seeing that toothless smile.

You have almost completed the first grade, and it's been a very awesome year.

You are a free spirit and march to the beat of your own drum, but you always harness all that and buckle down when it comes to school. You've only been in trouble once this school year and that was for passing a note.  Considering how many notes I used to pass when I was in school, I couldn't be too upset about that. 

Your love of reading has continued to grow and you are in the top reading group in your class. You've also stuck with the jump rope thing the entire year and you are really good! 

You have become obsessed with sharks this year, and have told me you might want to study them when you grow up. You are also still considering being a teacher and a mommy. 

When you tell me all these ideas I just want to encourage you to soar.

You are my baby girl, but yet I never want to stop you in life.

This last year we've started talking more about your personal relationship with Jesus and God, and you've let me know that you believe.

I know that your faith is still young, but I pray that it becomes deeper as every year passes.

Your daddy and I love every part of you. The sassy, the messy, the emotional, the funny, the naughty, the sweet, the entire you.

We thank God for the gift of a daughter named Hope Elizabeth. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Love,
Mommy