I'm not a cryer. Really I am not, but for some reason this birthday made me tear up a little. Is it because she can now cook and clean by herself? Is it because she has her own email and can work the iPad better than me? Is it because I now embarrass her a little at school sometimes when I kiss her and call her "sweetie pie?" Nope. I thought of those reasons and I think all of those are kind of cool. In fact, I yell "I love you Sweetie Pie!!" a little louder than I probably should just to see her reaction. Her friend from India even asked, "What's a Sweet Tea Pie?" Being at an International School really keeps me on my toes.
Anyway, I kind of teared up a bit thinking about how old Haley is because I think of her now as a big person. No baby talk, no "just because" responses, and no more time-outs. She's grown out of my comfort zone! I now get to have long, cool discussions about real stuff, not just how the Barbies look prettier in this dress than another outfit. She understands why we do things and if she doesn't understand, she can get the "real answer." Like for instance when she asked why B and I have a date night. I can tell her that many people get divorced because they forget to love their spouse too, not just the kids. She GETS it and is the first to ask if she can help the babysitter. And she does. When she gets into trouble, she now gets GROUNDED and has to do extra chores. And she can DO them, sometimes better than me... you should see my organized shoe bin!
And that, my dear friends, is why I tear up. I shed tears of joy that she doesn't need me anymore, but then I tear up because she doesn't need me as much as she once did.
BIG GIRL. Not preteen, yet. BIG GIRL. Not a little girl
pretending to be a big girl.
Literally a BIG GIRL.
On a random note, what is up with the wacky sizing for 9 year old girls?? WHY DON'T THEY MAKE SIZE 9? Whack. They have XS- 4&5, S- 6&7, M- 8, L-10-12... ummmm. Where's the 9? I remember this phase. It stinks when it comes to buying clothes. Size 8s fit around the waist, but are too short. Size 8s fit around the chest, but are too short. Where's the "tall" category when you need one? Online shopping just became even harder. Swimsuits are the worst... Rant over.
Anyway, I just think that this little girl is TOPS and ready for her own life adventure. So for her birthday, we surprised her with a BIG trip... I will post about it soon enough, but for now, some pics of this beautiful big girl. Love her.
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| Haley the thoughtful |
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| Haley the skiier |
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| Haley the World Traveler |
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| Haley the giver |
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| Haley the friendly |
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| Haley the snuggler |
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| Haley the silly |
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| Haley the cool |
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| Haley the happy |
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| Haley the BIG 9 year old GIRL who I can't love enough. |
She is so beautiful! I can't believe she is 9 already. Where does the time go?
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that she's already such a big girl. She is a sweet, amazing girl (she must have good parents) ;-)
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful and fun to be with! Thank you for sharing your husband and daughter with us for a few days:)
ReplyDeleteWow, she really is looking like a BIG GIRL! Although Lana isn't quite there I know what you mean about the big girl business. I really am loving this new level of understanding and behavior we're getting into now. Happy birthday to her too!
ReplyDeleteYou have a 9 year old! Crazy! Fabulous thoughts; thanks for sharing. Happy birthday Haley!
ReplyDeleteboy, how fun to look at all these pics of the lovely haley and read all that you have written monique about your daughter. this teared me up.
ReplyDeletesure love ya, Dad C
wow, how i enjoyed this pics of my lovely granddaughter along with the touching and funny commentary monique. this was just so fun and teared me up in the process.
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