To My 9 Year Old!

My dear sweet Maddy -- it's time to celebrate your 9th birthday!

The years since we met you have simply flown by and your sweetness of spirit and generosity has grown just like you.

What a busy year it's been! One of the biggest events of the year was your preparation for First Confession and First Communion. Oh my, there were lots of prayers and sacraments to learn about and you did a fabulous job. Dad and I are so proud of how much you've grown in your faith in the last year.

Another big event was the birth of Philip and Catherine's baby girl, Janie. It was a little difficult at first to no longer be the youngest, but you've grown into your role as Auntie Maddy. I know that Janie is going to look up to you and want to be just like you. You and she had so much fun together at Thanksgiving! Being an Auntie is great!

You and Dad managed to acquire that puppy you've been patiently longing for during the past couple of years. And what a special puppy you decided on, a Scottie! We met and brought home sweet Muffy in July. I know that you two will share many secrets in the years to come and that you are most definitely her very best friend!

School has been a little bit trickier in 3rd grade, but you (and I) with help from our wonderful tutor and friend, Courtney, have managed to figure out the best way to study and learn. Your teachers love you and your determination (I do too)!

A fun trip to Chicago completed our summer where we met up with Amy and Grace and Cboo too! You girls know how to have fun and showed us that you can be Big City girls! From now on, a "girls only" trip is going to be our summer tradition every single year!

I hope you know that I have the most wonderful job in the world of being your Mother. You make my heart sing with your sweet drawings, sayings and our fun car-dancing! I've been blessed beyond words and wish you the very best year to come as my special 9-year old!

Love,

Momma