Momma Much

My big girl. I remember when you were little I used to wonder who you would be when you grew up…

What would your personality be like?
What would you look like?
What would make your eyes light up?
Who would you be?

Now I see a stunning, creative, encouraging, kind, joyful, thoughtful, smart girl. And I am amazed.

Brielle you wake up with urgency. It’s time to work! Of course your “work” is play. You get out every craft you can find and suddenly I’m in a creative tornado. It reminds me of when you were a toddler, the frenzy of activity, but in its wake are not just toys and mess… Your creations are incredible!

Everywhere I look I see your handiwork. You write intriguing, smart mystery stories. You make calendars for the whole family, and then carry them around in a pretty case. You create paper dolls and clothes for the dolls.

You love to write. I remember I used to write like this… Stories and stories and stories. My characters were so real to me, and writing brought me so much joy! You are there!

When you make Michael lunch it looks like this.

When you bring me water you place a little beverage napkin under the glass and say “here you go maaa-daam.” 

Everything you do is an opportunity for beauty and fun.

The other day we had a fire outside and I said “no” to marshmallows so you and Michael roasted grapes on a stick, then carrots and other vegetables. Brilliant! And you guys actually enjoyed eating them!
Your seventh year was a huge year for you. You are entering EIGHT much wiser and so much more grown up. We traveled the world when you were seven. We lived in Australia for four months and you thrived and grew.

You loved the city!

Whenever you found grass you rolled in it. 🙂

We had so many adventures in Australia, and we talk about them and keep them alive in our minds and hearts.







Your seventh year is the year you lost your last great-grandparent. You loved your Nanny so so much, and she loved you. You were like twins, 80 years apart.

You love being homeschooled. I keep thinking you’ll ask to go to “real” school like so many of your friends, but for now you are satisfied and content with your low-key days of learning and fun with your brother.

We hit the jackpot with your piano teacher, Miss Pettitt, and you will remember her for life. Brielle, she is so sweet and so kind. And I want her style and grace when I turn… however old she is! You are learning so much from her! And also, look at your little feet on her spaghetti pot! So cute.

You are doing ballet! Talk about amazing. You took lessons when you were tiny, and it was so fun to watch you enjoy the pretty tutus and pink. But now that you are eight you appreciate dance in a different way.

It’s a delightful thing to be a little girl in ballet shoes, discovering the beauty and strength of her own body! I’m so proud and happy for you!

You have so many friends. Old and new. You are so loved, and you love so well!

You and Elinor in Preschool!

And you and Elinor at Elinor’s 8th birthday party! So different yet so the same.

You and Lyla have such silly wonderful times together.

You love your sweet friend Olivia! You’ve been friends since baby-hood.

These girls are some of your faves. You all bring out the best in each other!


And you have so many other sweet little friends in your life!

You love us so much. How did we get so lucky?
 








So many pictures I love of you.







Right now you are facing one of the first real hardships in your little life. The world is dealing with the Coronavirus and it has changed everything about our lives. We celebrated your birthday yesterday with a scavenger hunt to find all your gifts, and then a big birthday cake and a video call with some of your girlfriends.

It was a very special day, and you said over and over that it was your best birthday yet… How sweet of you Brielle!! But I know your sensitive heart hurt because you couldn’t have all the “normal” things a birthday usually entails. And you missed your friends! But look at this boy who is always by your side.. ready to smother you with affection and love! This reminds me once again how incredibly blessed you are to have each other!

You are so strong and resilient. You know how to count your blessings and to be grateful for what you do have. You know how to make the people around you smile. Making others happy makes you happy. You know that God is in control and that you are safe and secure. I’m so grateful that you feel safe and secure.

Before you know it we will be running all over town as usual. Back to soccer, ballet practice, piano lessons, fun playdates, homeschool co-op, and by then it will be time for the pool! Back to Grandmommy and Granddaddy’s house to see the animals, back to Grammy and Grampy’s house for a walk in downtown Fredricksburg, back to Grandpop’s house to give him a hug and see Pokie.

Life will return to normal, and in the meantime let’s enjoy the cuddles, the extra slow mornings and the extra long days. Time is moving in slow motion right now, and we’re used to it being on fast-forward! I’m so glad I get to enjoy this slow-motion time with you.

I love you more than words can say. I’m so grateful that you are MY GIRL. Enjoy eight. I remember it so well and it was my favorite age as a kid. Maybe because the number 8 is so darn perfect or maybe because this really is the best phase ever in childhood.. either way, I’m so grateful you get to experience it. And I’m so blessed to be by your side hearing your laugh, seeing your eyes light up, and watching you stretch your arms and legs and GROW.

Xoxo

Your Mommy