lily // seven

Our girl, our daughter, is seven! 

Oh, Lily, how can this be?

A real 'school girl', and more and more her own little person. I just stand in wonder as 'wonderful you' unfolds before me every day! This is the gift of the first child... the vanguard of the family, everything new and fresh and exciting. The punishment is that we experiment upon you, stumbling our way along this parenting path, so eager to 'get it all right', not always achieving that goal!! Thankfully, you are so very patient and forgiving as we find our way. But oh you, you are a joy to parent :)

It has been a pleasure to watch  you flourish in your second year of school. No longer the 'baby' of the school, you are an eager, dedicated, conscientious student. It amazes me still to see you read so fluently, I giggle when you suggest we 'add an adjective' to a recipe we are writing, I'm amazed at how you discuss fractions over breakfast and count and identify currency, then inform me gravely about the strategies used for measuring mass. Bursting with knowledge, it's a beautiful thing :) I love being invited into your world and seeing how much bigger that paradigm gets every day as you soak up so much.

Oh Lily, I love your silliness, your creativity (when the muse strikes, watch out! you must and you will create. I love watching you feverishly building and sticky taping at the craft table). You are kind and thoughtful, always aware of others, picking up on social cues at a level far beyond your years. I love to watch you learn about the world and learn about God, piecing together your faith in a heartfelt, sincere way. Your spiritual insights are precious beyond words. May you always hold that treasure in your heart. It is more valuable than any other knowledge, sweet girl, just knowing who God is and how much He loves you! 

Seven year olds are just the best to chat with! Where once you were more reticent to talk about your day, now you are over flowing with stories and questions and long in depth recounts of all you learn and question and know. I soak it up, genuinely fascinated and eager to catch every drop, knowing the tap may turn off far too quickly! Wondering about the world together, it's a delight.

You thrive on independence, always begging to cook dinner, to pack your own lunch and usually have yourself completely ready for school before anyone else in the family is even out of bed!! You are self-motivated, organised and so responsible. You fiercely care for your little brothers, though at times I think you actually consider yourself their second mother!! ;)  Not quite, my little mother hen, not quite!

We love you, little Lily. You are a devoted and doting big sister, a caring friend and a delightful, loving daughter. A bright spark in our world, keep shining, little heart!

'Though she be but little, she is fierce.'

The Annual Interview with Lily 

What are you going to be when you grow up?

A doctor

What’s that going to be like?

It looks fun!

What are your favourite toys?

My little beanie cat toy and the cat softie that you made me!

Who are your best friends?

Addi, Hayley T, Izzy, Marilyn

What makes you happy?

When I get lollipops and when a friend comes over to play.

What makes you sad?

When I have a bad dream, and when I fall over.

When you dream at night, what do you dream about?

Scary things....

What do you like to do with Daddy?

Jump on the trampoline, he jumps me very high!

What do you like to do with Mummy?

I like it when Mummy gives me a birthday present. I like when we go out at night together just us!

What do you like to do with Eli?

Play games like jumping on the trampoline.

What do you like to do with Miles?

I like when we have smooshy cuddles and kisses! And when we do school.

What’s your favourite colour?

Red and black

What’s your favourite book?

Bloom by Kelle Hampton (!!!)

What does Daddy do during the day?

On Saturdays and Sundays he stays home and on the other days he goes to work and does work and has lunch. I'm pretty sure it's tricky work. 

What does Mummy do during the day? 

She looks after kids. But not me! Don't write me because I go to school... she looks after the brothers.

What do you do during the day?

I go to school and play and do work. 

It's good to be seven because.....

I'm older than my siblings!

She bought these boots with her own birthday money. Little gold stars for my little star. Those boots were made for walking - and many big adventures. Though admittedly they are a size or two too big ;)

Likes

Crafting, box creations, any kind of sculpting and creating. Play dates with friends, reading chapter books. Reading, science, Japanese class. Gymnastics. Playing with her brothers, especially 'teaching' them. The trampoline, lollipops and chocolate.

Dislikes

Mushroom risotto, any risk of her brothers being hurt, her Mum crying. 

The obligatory 'awwwww' collage. Oh, how she grows....