Turning Seven

Abby.  She's seven today.  I know, I say this EVERY Birthday...time goes by way too fast.

Budding fashionista.  Loves Hello Kitty.

 I swear that just yesterday she was a cherubic toddler singing *Twinkle Twinkle Little Star* and saying cutsy little things like "Seeping Booty iss my fwavorit pwincess" (That's 'Sleeping Beauty is my favorite princess' for all you non-parenty-types out there).

And now she's seven, a budding fashionista with a love for all things Hello Kitty.  Who writes plays for her friends to act in; who loves to take kung fu and gymnastics; who loves to read and do math problems.  

Our Abby.  Who asks crazy deep questions like "Mom, why is Egypt so sad?" when looking out the car window at vacant, garbage-filled lots, crumbling buildings, and people staring down at their feet while walking.  She's noticed the harshness of the depression that many Egyptians have felt since the Revolution and the uncertainty of the elections.  I had so hoped the kids were immune to this.  Abby proves me wrong.

She's always been Daddy's girl.

Abby, who's flanked by brothers.  One older, bossy brother who she manages to keep up with.  And one younger brother who's trying to keep up with her.  

She's Daddy's girl - always has been, always will be.  But her temper and stubbornness are all traits she got from Mommy.

Abby, who loves to run and swim and ride on her scooter.  She's a skippy little girl, always skipping instead of walking, with a habit of standing on her tippy toes.

Abby, who was so proud to show off her work at the school art show.

Our sweet seven-year-old.  Who loves tutus, playing with baby dolls and barbies, kicking her brother's butt on the Wii, hula-hooping, reading goodnight stories, and singing in the shower.

The girl with a hearty giggle and a wide toothy smile.  With deep blue eyes that see much, much more than you realize.

Happy Birthday, Abby!  We love you so very, very much.  

Ah, the requisite photo trip down memory lane...

Even at a very young age, she'd look at her older brother like he was cuckoo.

Little cherub.

Yup.  Loves Daddy.

First day of preschool.

Always fashion-forward.

She's always loved the beach.

Scooter from Santa, Christmas 2009.

Another fashion moment.

Loves her baby brother.

Sometimes, she's just like her mom.

Showing off her artwork - her painting is the
one just above her head.

Happy 7th Birthday!