She's 7!

Dearest Ashley, how can I say enough about you and what a precious part of our life you are! You are such a sweet girl, so patient, loving and happy! You hardly ever get upset, maybe a little emotional when your tired, but that's about it! You pray for those that are sick, run to get help when someone is hurt, and are there to give a loving hug to anyone who needs one (I especially love those!) You've definitely made up for the lack of cuddles as a baby because you love to snuggle now! Your teacher really enjoys having you in class and has discovered that you are a great reader. You're in a higher level group and are reading chapter books and answering questions about the story you're reading (Junie B Jones is your favorite because she's such a goofball). We learned a lot at the parent/teacher conference, you're in a great class with a great teacher. We did learn that we need to work on your timed math tests, though, (you got stuck on +2's for a long time but finally moved on after working on them at home). You'll get the hang of it soon enough, one minute isn't a long time to do 20 problems, especially in a hallway with a lot of distractions! You've lost 5 teeth so far and the tooth fairy has left a special coin and certificate each time. I think the tooth fairy appreciates how easy you make it for her by hanging your tooth fairy pillow on the outside of your door. You started writing her notes and one time asked for pixie dust since you're friend McKenna told you about the time she wrote to her and got some. Your first bottle of pixie dust was purple and you hung it on a necklace, then your brother wanted some so you requested a bottle for him as well. He got black. It was very sweet of you to think of him. You've always watch out for him and he loves you very much for that. I've noticed lately that you play more equally with him instead of making him always play what you want to and I think he appreciates that. Since school started you've transitioned to a full hour of ballet at the studio we signed you up at. You started in a combo class (tap, ballet and tumbling), but your teacher noticed your natural talent for ballet and suggested that we move you into that class. You're doing really well and enjoy it too. She makes you work really hard, but you don't complain, although you were sore after the first few classes. Ballet and religious Ed this year have made for a few scheduling changes during your week, so you're pretty tired by the weekend. You still have the same bedtime routine and get yourself all cuddled up with 2 layers of pajamas and socks, stuffed bears surrounding you and about 3 layers of covers and soft blankets over you. Since school started we have also discovered that you are not a morning person, especially when we have to wake you up at 6:30am. We try to let you sleep in as long as possible, but you often take a while to eat breakfast and your bus comes at 7:20, so that's the time that gets you where you need to be on time. When you do eat breakfast quickly you get to watch cartoons, so that's helped a little. I do feel bad for you when we wake you up (you know I like my sleep), so I help you dressed in bed while you stay cuddled up in your blankets as long as possible. At your 7 year check up, you weighed 44 lbs and measured 3' 10". Papa has talked about doing a triathlon with you, so hopefully this will be the year you learn to ride a bike. I look forward to everything this next year will bring. You are a beautiful girl inside and out, we love you so very much!