Through the Years - Bella

As a baby I thought you were perfect.  You were my first and I had nothing to compare you to, but I was convinced there couldn't have been a more perfect child exist than you.  Through your toddler years I was still convinced you were wonderful, but perhaps no longer perfect since you would occasionally test me with your battles of will.  You have always had a stronger determination than most and I still remember vividly a four hour temper tantrum you held in your room, and I still have the teary journal entry that I wrote from my room as I wondered how I would ever survive motherhood.  One would wonder how such a sweet, precious little face like this could scream bloody murder for FOUR hours, but you did.

But as you aged, you naturally outgrew that stage though still I see glimpses of that same stubborn determination.  You have always been so mature and thoughtful and wise, but still you held on to some of your baby habits like your blankie, you sucked your thumb almost entirely until you started Kindergarten and you loved to get naked especially when you played outside in the summer, these habits I had to work hard to relieve you of. 

But now you have hit 10, the double digits.  I can't believe how fast every moment has gone.  I can't get over how much I want you to stay as you are - once again perfect in every way.  But when you hit a new stage I am finding that I love it, and it is better than anything I have known before.  And I wonder again how my heart can hold so much love and affection. 

That stubborn will of yours still exists, but now you have learned to manage it in a way that is more logical and practical in your persuasive powers to get what you want. And I can't help but give in when you are so keen a negotiator.  You are graceful, centered, and reliable.  You are beautiful, precious, and wonderful.  You are ten and I can't help but think that you are perfect and always will be.  I love you princess.  Stay just as you are - improving with age.