We Have a Birthday Girl! Samantha Is the Big 7!

Dear Samantha,

Today you turn 7 years old.   I sound so cliche every year, but it's true when I say that it's hard to believe another year has passed since your Birthday.  Another year has passed since you were born.  I still remember to this day the night you were born, you woke up for a feeding, and you and I were walking around watching the fireworks outside our hospital room window.  Your eyes were wide open and you kept yawning to go back to sleep.   I do have to say that memory will be etched in my brain forever.   Just the quietness of everything.   The soft and muffled "thuds" of the fireworks from outside.  As tired as I was from that day in general (you were born at 4:26 a.m, and of course I got a few hours of sleep before then before my water broke), I still remember how peaceful and quiet everything was.   Whenever I need to go to my "happy place", that memory is always part of my memory slideshow.  I remember wondering what you would be like when you grew up.

So today, seven years later, you are very independent and express your opinion on the things you like and don't like.  You're very cautious yet, if you're feeling very confident about something, you lead the charge.    You have a hard time making up your mind about things, yet you let everyone know what you want.  School has been showing you ways on how to solve a problem.   You've been showing that you're a problem solver, and even try to solve Mommy and Daddy's problems as well.   Already being a perfect little diplomat.

Here are some of the milestones/accomplishments you have achieved in the last year:

• You just completed your first year in a new school.  1st grade is completed!!!  You really enjoyed going to school full time each day...except for the days when you found out Sarah was going to play dates at her friend's houses.  Ha ha.  Now you are ready to head to 2nd Grade in August!
• You still love to read.  Everything from books from the library, to newspaper ads.   You just finished your 2nd chapter book recently:  Anne of Green Gables.   Eventually, we'll get the movie for you to watch and compare the two.
• You're handwriting and coloring have come such a long way in a year.   You're constantly writing stories, and cards for everyone.   I'm glad your enthusiastic about wanting to write.
• Yesterday, you and Daddy and Sarah went shopping for your Birthday present:   a brand new bike!   In 2 years, you've already outgrown your 16" bike and are tall enough to ride a 20" now.    You just keep growing, and nobody is stopping you.  Ha ha. 
• You are still challenging us in the listening department.   I know you want to be independent, but you still need to listen.  Hopefully this is just a phase you're going through.

Daddy and I are proud of the person that you've become so far.  You have many years ahead of you, but we love where you are headed.  Now, there are days where it's not all rainbows and sunshine.  We do have our difficult days, but we learn each time, don't we?  God knew we needed you.  To help us learn.  To show us how to laugh.  To know what it's like to sacrifice.  We would not change anything, ever.  We are just so blessed to have you as part of our life.  As part of our family.  Always have that spark and that never lose that smile of yours.

Happy Birthday Sam.  We love you.  Always.

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Here is what you looked like in past Birthdays

And here is what you look like today!