Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours!

Happy 7th Birthday Raegan!

My little ray of sunshine! Today you are seven…Lucky 7! What a fantastic age!!

You can take care of yourself, read, talk about current events, and yet you still need me to hold your hand when you are nervous. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year, and I look forward to treasuring each moment with you.

As I type this, I can hear you singing in the living room. You are always singing and dancing and I adore that about you. On any given day, you can also be found playing with the dogs, hollering at the neighbors, coloring, or playing baby dolls. You love gymnastics, Kids Bop, and art. While you enjoy electronics, you’re more likely to be found outside enjoying nature.

Your smiles soothe me, your tears tear me down and your sadness destroys me. Your laughter is contagious and infectious and can heal the world. On this birthday, my beautiful, amazing girl, I wish you a lifetime of the same wholehearted, all in love that you give to others.

You are moody and broody and artistic and funny and vibrant and in total living Technicolor. You are a rainbow and a unicorn and all that the world has to offer that is good. You are shy and that scares me because the thought of you feeling unsure breaks my heart, because I can’t fix this for you. But I am here, for today and for always, to hold your hand, to wipe away the tears and yes, to handle anyone I may need to. You drive me crazy with your independence when it’s in direct opposition to my plan but, inside, I am so proud of you for standing your ground.

 

I love that you stick up for what you believe in and for the underdog.  I love your stubbornness and your follow through. I love that your heart compels you to get involved when you see a sick person or a sad child. I love you for being exactly who you are and I would never change a thing about that. You are the perfect you in every way.

You are the epitome of cool for a 7-year-old…in my humble opinion 😉

Your name means impulsive and humble, and it’s such a fitting description of the amazing girl you have become. You are a beauty on the outside, but what’s even more stunning is your heart and brain. You are a leader - strong and competitive. You believe in your ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. You are enthusiastic and have a pioneering spirit. Distinctly original!

The biggest characteristic that has taken off this year is your ability to LISTEN (yet, somehow not listen at the same time). Being a quieter kid in unsure situations, you tend to soak up every.single.thing. You’ve really stepped up your game and are asking some deep and interesting questions about everything from the tooth fairy and heaven to why some people are homeless.

We usually lie in your bed at night and you ask daddy, Ayden, or I 100 questions about things you’ve observed during the day. At times, I don’t feel like I have a great answer, but it gives me more joy than you can imagine to hear how the wheels turn in your brain.  I hope you’ll always know that we are here if you have questions.

I celebrate you and all that you have become today and I celebrate the day that I met one of the most amazing people that I’ve ever known. I wish you a lifetime of love and acceptance of yourself, I want you to see and love yourself the way I see you; perfect, just the way you are.

Happy Birthday to my Raegan. Wishing you a million days ahead that reflect the possibilities you have in your heart. Keep dreaming big, swinging, and holding on to your contagious passion for life and all things in it.

Halloween!

Cousinly Love