Year Six.

Emma,
It is hard to believe that seven years ago tomorrow, you were born. It just seems like yesterday that I found out that I was pregnant - that I was having a girl - that you would have your daddy's lips and your grandma's attitude. From the first day I saw you, I couldn't believe how sassy you were, how much you could cry in protest until I figured out what you wanted.

This year has been a year of change. I watched in awe as you shined during your "real" year of Kindergarten. I loved the way that you took care of Mallie at school. I thought it was so neat how you loved to do all of your homework, and you worked so hard to excel at everything that Mrs. Parsons threw at you. I was so proud to discover that you had a fourth grade reading level halfway into the year.

During year six, you have grown. You went from size 11 to size 1 in shoes. And boy, do you have alot of shoes. You also went from size 5 to 7 in clothes. Your hair has grown out. You no longer look so small or so young. I see you turning from my little girl to a young lady.

This year, I have watched the most miraculous transformation for our family ever. I watched you accept and love two sweet girls and call them "sister" without any hesitation. I love how you look up to them and how they care for you. I love how much you and your brothers have no bias toward anyone. I also love to watch how careful you are with Tripp as he started school and you moved up to first grade. Many times this year, I have sat at this computer doing my homework, and I listen as you read him a bedtime story. It makes me so happy to see how nurturing you are not only to Tripp, but to everyone else as well. I see that one day, you are going to be a loving, caring, detail oriented mother and wife.

I am amazed at how you love to learn. This past Sunday, during church services, I noticed that as you were writing the scriptures, you wanted to know what they meant. When I turned to Proverbs 31 and told you that we should all want to be like this, you nodded your head and took it in. While I am sad that another year has passed so quickly, I am so proud of how you are growing.

I love you,
Momma