My Firstborn Turned 9 {NH Child Photographer}

A couple of weeks ago, Grace turned 9. It was 9 years ago that I left my job on a Friday night determined that I would not be back on Monday. After 36 crazy long hours of labor Grace was born, an 8 lb 6 oz baby girl. Who knew that little chunk would end up the smallest by far of my three babies. And who knew she would be THIS: in just a speck of time.

And so I am feeling a little sentimental about my baby girl today, and after having spent a fabulous two days just us (without little bro and sis)I am feeling both sentimental and proud. Here's why:

1. We went to the American Girl store on Tuesday. She went with her own money and was told she could spend her own money but not mine. She never once asked me for anything while we were there. If she admired something she checked the price and weighed whether she wanted to give up that much money for that item. In the end, I offered to buy her pj's to match her dolls and she just said, "Really? Are you sure? Thank you so much Mommy."

2. When she stays over at a friends house the parents always tell me she can come absolutely any time. She was a delight! That makes me so proud.

3. Her teachers say she is generous and kind and stands up for others and they say it like they truly mean it.

4. I am so completely proud of the big sister that she is, how she lovingly cares for Ella and Max.

5. I think she is going to be a photographer someday. I watch her compose the most ineteresting images, with texture and color and props. She manages to get Ella to love it, and gets some great expressions out of her.

6. She is a good friend, and she chooses her friends wisely.

7. When she dances, it is like God is in the room.

8. She is so thoughtful and loves to buy gifts for just about anyone.

9. She makes the best of a bad situation. Even when she's being punished, she makes it seem like it's a good thing. This can be very annoying and quite frustrating for a mom that believes she needs to suffer as a consequence, but still a good trait.

10. She totally goes with the flow. She's happy as long as she is spending time with people she likes.

I love you baby girl! You are a precious treasure.













And a few snapshots from our trip to American Girl in Natick, MA. We are with the C girls, and it was Miss H's 10th birthday on Tuesday! How fun is an American Girl birthday?