awesome

susanna, my sweet sweet angel girl,

how do i describe you, as you turn this magical and wonderful age of seven?  i've asked myself this question ever since your big day a few weeks ago.  i find myself watching you more intently than i normally do, in quiet observation as i try to find just the right words to use ... and yet, i still feel like my words are inadequate.  but the process has been so worthwhile, because in the hustle and bustle of our crazy everyday lives, i often forget to slow down and witness the amazing person you have become. this endeavor of mine has proven to me, yet again, how incredibly blessed we are to call you ours.

it was a few days after your party that i was struck with the perfect story to share.  you had a list a mile long of presents you had received for your birthday, from your grandparents, godparents, great-grandmother, brother, parents, and, of course, your gazillion friends.  (honestly - is there anyone in the world who has more friends than you?)  i handed you some stationery and asked you to choose someone from that list and write them a thank you note.  i expected stalling, or complaining, or frustration, since those are all perfectly normal reactions of a seven-year old.

instead, you sat down at the breakfast table, pencil gripped in your hand, brow furrowed in concentration.  and after a little while, you came up to me and handed me the note.  "is this good?" you asked.

it was one of the most wonderful thank you notes i had ever seen.  the message you had written was thoughtful, it was heartfelt -- it was real.  you had drawn a picture of the gift and decorated the margins with hearts and had filled the small empty space at the bottom with dozens of "XOXO"s.  and while there might have been a small spelling error here or there, it didn't matter.  i could picture the smile that would spread across the recipient's face as she opened up her envelope and read your words.

and that, i think, sort of sums you up:  you're thoughtful, you're heartfelt -- you're real.  i'm not sure this is the best way to put it, but i call you "quietly amazing".  meaning, you're not a show-off of all your talents and brilliance and gifts.  you don't scream for attention or crave the limelight.  but once people are around you, they get to know you, and they start to witness just who susanna mann is.  and what they witness is never short of miraculous.

look out, world!  here comes susanna

as i was pondering what exactly i was going to write, i sought help from your brother.  i explained, "soon i'll be writing my annual birthday post for susanna.  what kinds of words would you use to describe your sister?"

our resident master puzzle solver

"hmm," he mused from the back seat, deep in thought.  "she's funny.  and really good at art and dance and music.  and a little sassy ... and smart, of course ..." he faded off as he mused over other options.  "i don't really know how to say it, actually.  she's just ... well ... susanna is awesome."

happy seventh birthday to our thoughtful, funny, talented, sassy, smart, and just plain awesome baby girl.  we love you so!

infinity squared,

mommy

a birthday pedicure, as is our tradition