To my Georgia, on her 7th Birthday

Let me tell you a birthday story, Miss Georgia. Once upon a time there was a beautiful little princess.  She had long honey-colored hair and when she smiled her beautiful blue eyes twinkled. This girl was special, though, because she wasn't just beautiful, but also smart, determined, and oh-so-fierce. She was a brave warrior princess. Instead of staying inside the castle, this girl roamed the hills with the knights and fought foes.  This girl knew how to move mountains.  She wasn't always kind, but she was always loyal.  If you gained her respect and admiration she'd love and defend you forever.  She did have a compassionate streak, however, that would come out when she played with the royal baby prince.  Thank heavens, the princess could use a little softening up every once in a while.  Sometimes she let her fierceness take things over.  This girl was so brave and determined that she didn't wait around for a prince to come and save her, she went out and slayed the dragons herself, because that's just the kind of girl she was.  One day, she found a handsome prince who could handle her fiery temper and general hard-headed-ness.  He appreciated her spirit and intelligence.  He won her heart and loyalty.  They got married in an eternal, heavenly castle and while things weren't always roses and sunshine, they were happy ever after.

 If you haven't figured it, Miss G, you are the princess in the story.  You haven't found your prince yet (thank heavens, you're only seven after all), but you are busy developing those qualities I mentioned.  You're fierce and smart and determined and, yes, beautiful too.  But, you are so much more than beautiful, Georgie-Girl.  You are the strongest, fiercest person I've ever know.  You don't just stay inside playing dolls, you go and slay dragons with the boys.  I love that about you.  I love mostly everything about you.  I don't really know how to handle all that "everything" but I wouldn't ever want to take it away from you either.  You are the true definition of a Warrior Princess, Georgia Marie, and I love it.

There's big news in the Favorite Color arena this year.  For the first time ever, you've chosen blue as a contender against pink.  They're tied, you've informed me.  I gotta say I'm pleased with the new change.  It shows that you're not afraid to shake things up a bit and follow your own mind.  Your best friends ase still Baleigh (has been since Kindergarten) and your cousin, Ella.  Your current favorite song choices are Katy Perry's Roar, American Author's Best Day of My Life, the Minecraft version of Imagine Dragon's Demon, and (of course) anything from the Frozen soundtrack, especially Let It Go.  The crazy thing is I really had to think about those.  Its always shocking how little time I spend with you now that you're in school all day.  I'm looking forward to spending the summer with you and re-getting to know your favorites.

Not only are you fierce and brave, you're also vulnerable and a little (lot) anxious.  It's hard for me to see this in you since it's something I've struggled with for as long as I can remember.  I hate seeing your get all tense and nervous when you're faced with a challenge, overwhelmed at the endless school days, or cringeingly mortified when I inadvertently embarrass you.  A lot of the time when you lash out in anger, it's because you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious.  I know those feelings myself all too well.  Right now we're waiting on any kind of intervention...just watching and waiting to see how you cope.  Hopefully, having dealt with anxiety myself, I can help you learn how to handle it.  Just remember, Miss G, that you're not a victim.  You're in charge of your own decisions and destiny and are responsible for their consequences.  Your life and choices are up to you. As the late, great, Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." No one, Georgia, can make you into a victim without your consent.  Play the hand you're dealt and play it well.

You're a great big sister, Georgia.  I know you and Miss S don't always get along, but you try.  I love to hear you two giggling to each other at night as you both huddle together in your bed reading books.  You're such a good sister to your brothers.  You love to rough-house and play Pokemon with Ezra and love to take care of your younger brothers.  Both Oak and Fischer adore you.  You're always willing to keep an eye on them when I need you to.  Thank you for being my little helper, Miss G.

Oh, Miss G, my baby, my girl.  I love you so.  I can't even believe how grown-up you're getting.  I swear your hair is getting longer, your legs are getting taller, and your personality is getting bigger right before my eyes.  I love, love, love, love you.  Thank you, first daughter, for being you.  I would never wish it any other way.

Happy Birthday, Miss Georgia Marie!!!