Happy 8th, Sofi!

My sweet, tenacious, responsible, peppery Sofia turns 8 today and I - of course - am half in denial. Where oh where has the time gone?

There is nobody quite like Sofia. You know that famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow? This one:

There was a little girl,

Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

 When she was good,

   She was very good indeed,

  But when she was bad she was horrid.

That pretty much sums it up!

My curly-headed wonder daughter is the most gorgeous creature inside and out- so kind and empathetic, curious and judicious. Her understanding of herself is right on the nose - so much so that recently she rightfully described her own best trait as gentilezza (kindness) and her own worst trait as being irritabile (irritable). With not a pinch of help from us older folk. Her teachers have only positive things to say about how she gets on well with and helps her classmates, has been blessed with tireless curiosity, and has a level of concentration that couldn't be broken with a tornado.

There is another side to Sofia - a whinier side, that is often bubbling right under the surface. She does NOT like not getting her way - she likes it even less when the one winning the battle is her sister. But Andrea and I - as difficult as it is to reason with this side of her - have learned to accept and really appreciate it for what it will surely bring her in the future: independence. Because, while Sofia lives for human relationships and conversation, social situations and chaos - she also knows when to say no, and nobody (but nooobody) is going to get her to change her mind, come hell or high water. This will, I think (well, um, I sorta know from experience) serve her well in the future.

Current loves: painting ceramics, pretending to be a swim teacher or a ballerina, the movie "Ballerina", putting on "shows" for family and friends, swimming, running, playing piano, getting fancy, playing with her sister, taking showers, sushi and restaurants in general, gossip (lawd help us), parties, people, having people over for dinner. Did I mention she thrives on chaos?

Current hates: when her sister is annoying, when her sister won't play the game the way she is supposed to, when her sister touches her leg by accident when they're sitting on the couch (insert eye roll here), injustice, being yelled at, scary movies (which also includes Frozen, by the by).

Sofia, you are growing into such a wonderfully complex little person. You are so tough too - overcoming your fears, looking them right in the eye, and pouncing away to the finish line. I admire that, I admire you. I am learning so very much from you, and we are all so insanely lucky to have you.

Happy birthday, my delightful Peanut. We love you more than words can really say.

Now let's go rock this summer!

Love,

Mommy, Papi & Sami