seven is sort of miraculous. she can do so much, and learns it so quickly. she is brave and solid, but remains quiet and withdrawn in a good way. she likes small groups and one-on-one and alone time. she's funny. she's wild and crazy with her brother. she's thoughtful. she's sharp as a tack.
i often find myself wondering, "what can't she do?"
on the morning of her birthday, we sang beatles' "happy birthday" to her while she indulged in her favorite breakfast special treat of rice krispies and put the final countdown-candle on her birthday-countdown calendar.
she was giddy and joyful. i took her to school, where she happily shared pencils and erasers with her classmates. i stayed for a bit, and watched her make her own birthday crown while everyone of her classmates made a birthday card for her and wrote her a lovely message. they do this for everyone's birthday, which means they practice writing and manners and kindness, the birthday kiddo feels special in a crown all day, and then goes home at end of the day with 23 sweet messages to read. then i read a favorite book (sadie's snowman--you guys, i love this book) to her class. she seemed so tickled to have me there. it was an absolute gift to me to see her in her element, on her day.
after the school day, she came home to read all her cards, and smile big smiles. we then went to swimming lessons, where she nailed the dolphin kick (see above regarding: what can't this kid do?!).
when swimming was over, we met david at madison's famous birthday restaurant, the nitty gritty, where the big seven year old got her own mug, a free lemonade, and a yellow balloon. pretty. big. deal.
at home, all the gifts were amassed on the table and our dear birthday girl waited patiently while she encouraged james to open all the gifts she made and wrapped for him to open on her birthday. look at her, just waiting, while he takes great pleasure in opening a gift (it was an empty altoids tin filled with pennies, which brought him immeasurable joy).
and then, it was ramona's turn, and it was all books and fun and rabbit fur ear muffs and bright nail polish and legos and special phone calls from beloved family members (thank you!) . if this birthday is any indication, seven is going to be pretty darn good.
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