Six Going on Sixteen

Happy belated birthday to our little lady. These past few weeks it seems you’ve grown before our very eyes. One outward side of your newfound maturity is the fact that you got your ears pierced – quite a big deal in our house. You are so proud. You counted down the days until we could go, and when the day finally arrived you were calm and confident. That is, until you stood at the counter waiting your turn and watched up close and personal as someone else had their ears shot with the piercing gun. You turned pale and asked if we could go for a little walk, then you said “I still want to do it, just not quite yet. In a few minutes.”

We walked over to the mall play area and you climbed on some rides meant for younger kids – babies really – and it was strange for me to see how you had outgrown them. Seeing you looking so big in comparison to the other kids was striking, especially considering the reason we were in the mall in the first place! After a few minutes we walked back to the piercing place and the next thing I knew, you had sparkly blue flowers in each ear. You didn’t cry, just let out a little whimper as you squeezed my hands.

In addition to the outward sign of your new-found six year old maturity, you’ve been ACTING differently lately. Very helpful around the house… not much whining… just a cool KID.

We are so proud of the girl you are growing into. But don’t grow up too fast, you have the rest of your life for that. You’ll always be our little pumpkin.

Love you,
Momma

Happy 6th Birthday Abby

So this weekend at your last soccer game of the season, I was coaching your scrimmage and thought I would capture our conversation on the field:

Abby (after one of your teammates just scored): “Dad, was that our team’s first or second goal?”

Me: “The first”
Abby: “So it’s 2-0?”
Me: “No, 1-0”
Abby: “But I thought we had two goals?”
Me: “No. Now focus, let’s play soccer.”
Abby: “But wait. I really thought we had another goal…” (at this point play had resumed)
Me: “NO! It’s our first goal now c’mon…we’re playing soccer here not talking.”
Abby: “So you’re saying the score isn’t important?” (with hands on hips)
Me: “What’s important is to have fun and learn how to play soccer.”
Abby: “Then why do we cheer after goals?”
Me: “PLAY SOCCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Some lady from the sideline: “Man, that girl is a TRIP!!” (referring to you)
That lady’s friend: “Yes she is!”

A trip indeed you are. You are so determined and confident at 6 years old, I truly hope you keep these traits as you get older because they will serve you well in life and your career. A couple of years back, your preschool teacher used the word “spirited” and that’s a good phrase. She said “If Abby can harness that vigor, she could become CEO of a company if she wanted” (no pressure on your Mom and I).

But you’re not a CEO yet – you are a fun-loving, sweet, thoughtful 6 year old girl. And your Mom and I are so proud of the person you are becoming. And yes, sometimes your spirited-ness (ok, not really a word) manifests itself in ways that drive us crazy but I’m sure there are plenty of things we do that drive you crazy like not letting you eat a gallon of ice cream for dinner, making you comb your hair and refusing to let you go more than 3 days without a bath. But we wouldn’t have you any other way – you are a perfect Abby Dykes and we love you.

Below are some pictures from your birthday party at Wine and Design. No, wine was not served but you and your friends put a dent in some juice boxes. Happy birthday and we love you.
Dad