Eight

Eight!

She is still so much who she ever was, but has grown in so many ways, too. She is whip smart, but bossy. Intense and fearful about somethings, but then will totally surprise me with her courage. She is fun and funny, but sometimes will just not. stop. talking. She is curious about the world around her, and has questions about everything. She likes routine and follows rules, except when she doesn't. Kids are contradictions, aren't they?

Last night she asked me how helium is made while I was saying goodnight to her. Cue me backing out of the room and calling for Ben.

Second grade was another good year at school. What can I say - she is a great student. (Not perfect - her handwriting is atrocious, and she doesn't really like writing. Her biggest flaw is rushing through work.) She still loves to read, and would be done with the Harry Potter series if I hadn't made her take a break. She likes math, too, and has requested that we do home school over the summer. Her teacher sent home a few workbooks for her to use for home school math assignments. We'll see how long that lasts.

She continued with her piano lessons this year. She is doing well, but frequently can't be bothered to practice. (Cue me arguing with her about practicing and threatening to cancel her lessons. I should write a post about myself on my birthday. Emily's biggest flaw: issuing empty threats.)

Anyway. She also did Girl Scouts this year, which she loved. She got to do archery and go winter camping (in a lodge). She is going to a naturalization ceremony next week. And the biggest thing: she is going to Girl Scout Sleep-away camp this summer. On her own. With no one she knows. (See above about surprising courage.) I would never have done that at her age.

"Mommy, I know I am shy, but I still make friends easily. I'll be fine," she told me. She's not wrong.

She is playing soccer and will do swimming and tennis this summer. She likes watching football and golf. (Especially with her Baba Ralph.)

She had a birthday party with friends from school last weekend. Her guests included her best friend Natalie, Colin (who I think she has a crush on), Amelia, Phoebe, MJ, Yeleen, Greta and Elle. She had a great time. She has some very nice friends.  She can't wait to spend time with her best out-of-school friend Nora this summer.

Let's see, what else. Oh! Her eating! She is still picky, but she has gotten so much better this year! She is willing to try almost anything, including things with sauce on them. (Unheard of a year ago.) She has requested roasted chicken and rice pilaf for her family birthday dinner on Saturday. Roasted chicken and rice pilaf! Even six months ago she wouldn't have touched the stuff. I am so happy to see progress in this area. It has been a long (8 years) haul, but maybe there is a light at the end of this picky-eating tunnel?

Clare needs to have four baby teeth pulled to make room for her adult teeth that are coming in at an angle. So that should be fun. We have a first meeting with an orthodontist next week to discuss what I am sure will be a many years long plan to fix her teeth.

Some likes: Harry Potter, The Babysitter's Club graphic novels, My Little Pony, American Ninja Warrior, playing with her fashion design set, being in charge, legoes, board games, swimming and riding her bike.

Some dislikes: Thunderstorms (still), bugs (get used to them, kid), cleaning (her room should be declared a federal disaster zone), dogs (still), having other people be in charge, and, oh, listening to her mother.

We've had our ups and downs (she still throws the occasional tantrum), but overall seven was a really fun age. I hope eight will be just as fun! Happy birthday Clare. You are my most favorite girl in the world.

Ready for her birthday party. We tried to dye her hair blue on the ends - it sort of worked.

The gang at her birthday party. They very nicely included Christopher.

This collage came up in Google Photos. Little Clare! 

Playing with the fashion press she got from her BFF.