Happy Birthday, Sophia!

Dear Sophia,

Happy birthday! You deserve a day of all the brightest and happiest moments that a nine-year-old's day can hold.

You do not want to grow up, and I am not ready for that either. Still, it's the greatest privilege of my life to help you grow and learn and, yes, change. You hate change as much as I love it. That's why I'm always so amazed at your willingness to join me and daddy with excitement when we decide it's time for adventure. It's because you're courageous.

Nine years have gone by in the blink of an eye, yet I cannot remember life before you were in it. My ears have never heard anything as beautiful as the sound of your laugh when something catches you off guard - or when you make a bathroom joke. My eyes have never seen anything as beautiful as your face when it's filled with delight at something new or joy when you're on a horse. My heart has never had more use than when it reminds yours what a worthwhile and beautiful person you are.

Daddy and I love you more today than when he first put you in my arms. For no other reason than you are ours. All the other reasons you give us just stack on top and fill our hearts.

I hope this year is full of your laughter and made bright with your imagination. I can't wait to share the happy days with you and I am honored to wipe your tears when they come.

Happy birthday to my bright and beautiful girl!

Love,

Mommy

Tiger Reintroduction

Last weekend, we happened into some tickets to the first football game of the Mizzou season. That hasn't happened to us since we moved in 2010. Erick and I have been over for a couple games, but even that was years ago.

So we were so happy to get to reintroduce Sophia to the culture that is Mizzou football. She also had a guide closer to her age. These two are about the sweetest 8-year-olds I know. I feel lucky to get to hang around them.

Sophia got into it quickly. In spite of the heat and the big score gap (thankfully), we managed to make it through three quarters. If you were still allowed to leave at halftime and come back, we probably could have made the whole thing. That's neither here nor there.

I'm not saying that Sophia's going to go to Mizzou when she grows up. We do sing the Alma Mater at bed every night. All that matters is that we all had a great time, and Sophia knows when to stand and cheer and how to follow up an M - I - Z !!!