Belle

My sweet baby is turning eight! When did that happen? It has been true joy watching her grow and change. I can already see some of the woman she will be some day. Of course thinking about that will make me cry... We are at such a strange stage now. I still love on her and the good Lord knows she can talk my ears off but something about it is strange.
I guess we are hitting that time when I'm letting her do more things for herself. It's funny, I want her to do stuff on her own because I want her to be a strong, confident, well rounded member of society but when she does, I feel a slight "twinge" in my heart. I'm sending her off to "Girl's Camp" this summer. It's only a week and the camp is not far, she'll be with other kids that she knows well and other adults for that matter. I know she will be fine, in fact I can't wait to send her off because I know the fun she will have will be remembered for years to come. However, a little something inside me wants to hold her close and not let her go. Will she remember to brush her teeth? Will she pick the right shoes to wear for the day's activities? Will she put sunscreen on? Stay by your friends when you play in the water. Don't use all of your spending money the first day you get there. Don't, under any circumstances, share your hairbrush!!
That's the loud frantic screaming mommy voice that I have to keep at bay. I know she will have fun and she and I both will grow from this little separation. She will never know that I will cry just a little bit when she drives off and you better believe that if she calls me in the middle of the night to come get her, sister I'm on my way!
I love you sweet girl and mommy is proud of you and you are your daddy's shining light and the best friend Layla will ever have!
Happy Birthday sweet baby!