Eight

A was eight at the weekend.

"So grown up!"

"How time flies!"

"Enjoy them before the teenage years...!"

It has gone fast these eight years, a whirlwind of nappies, of weaning, of teething and pre-school dramas. Her first day at big school, learning to skip, to clap her hands, to ride a bike and to swim a length. Her personality is shining through strongly now, a caring and sensitive child with a habit of day dreaming and distraction. A sweet natured child who is fearful of pain. A kind child, alert to others feelings and those less fortunate than herself. A giggly child, a snotty child, a happy child and a child with the longest-ever-wobbly tooth because she is so frightened of them falling out.

My trusting A. Now you're eight you will start to remember more and more of your life, your achievements, your highlights and low times. I feel enormously privileged to be part of your journey and look forward to making some memories together.

Happy birthday sweet girl.