Dear Addison at 7 Years Old

Dear Addie (or is it Addison),

I struggle with what to call you these days, as you turn seven. You have announced at school that you want to go by Addison and although you have never told me or close family and friend's NOT to call you Addie, I can't help but switch back and forth these days.

We are at the age, sweet daughter, where emotional highs and lows have just started. There are times when you are so frustrated with me because I won't allow you to do something that you emotionally blow up where the "I don't like you" comments are screamed. I understand that you struggle and are learning how to express your frustrations and in all honesty I remember those feelings of frustrations as a young girl so I don't ever take them personally, which probably frustrates you even more! In fact, there was a time period for several weeks - just a couple of months ago, where I thought my sweet girl was gone for good- that the much talked about "tween" years, filled with attitude and defiance had come into the Brown home early. Nothing I could do was right. But just as as the terrible two's passed us, so did that stage and before I realized it, my sweet, kind and wanting-to-please-everyone daughter was back (for now.)

Your independence both thrills me and makes be sad, at times. I watch you confidently do things for the first time alone and the strong leader that I prayed for so zealously, while you were in my tummy, shines so brightly and I beam with happiness. Yet, just as often, I see you do things like confidently tuck yourself into bed on your own for the night - when we are busy with your brother and sister and it makes me sad that you don't need us for every little thing anymore. Addie - I am so proud of the self-assured young woman you already are.

Academically, you have already surprised us. You consistently focus on getting your homework done early and shocked us when your annual end of the year report card grades out averaged your brothers. You silently know how to hold your own.

My biggest frustration point with you at seven-years-old, has been your apt for loosing and breaking things. I write this to you in an open letter simply because I must remember that you are just seven years old and that it is completely normal for you to loose your headbands at school or break a necklace you wear. I am sorry if I sometimes get frustrated with you and promise to work harder to give you more grace in this department. I realize with time, responsibility will come and it is wrong of me to expect perfection. I love you sweet girl.

More than anything, Addison, I want you to know how PROUD of YOU I am... every single day. No matter if it's peeking my eye open during prayer before dinner, watching you sing, "Thank you Father...," or on stage last week at your "Talent Show," giving it your ALL in your gymnastics and tumbling routine you choreographed for you and your friend or when you quickly say you will clean up a mess that Carter has made... you have an amazing heart! You are SMART, you are BEAUTIFUL and you are such a GIVING SOUL where you want everyone to be happy around you. To me, you are the perfect combination of a young girl... one that I love so dearly. Thank you for setting the best example for your little sister whom so clearly looks up to you in ALL that you do. Addison - you are simply amazing.

I love you,

Mom

Addison's TOP 10 LIST at 7 Years Old

This has been a long tradition in our home dating back to Carter's 2nd birthday. I look forward to the time each year it takes to decide on the important items that make this list because it makes me reflect on who Addison is RIGHT NOW in this moment.....

#10. Wearing her hair in a pony tail or a bun.
Each morning, I ask her what she wants to do with her hair today and she ALWAYS answers low pony tail or a high bun! I am sure it's just a phase she is going through so I am letting her embrace it!

#9. Striking "poses" for pictures.

Any time I ask her to take a quick snap shot - below is what I get at this exact age!

#8.Shrimp, Artichokes and Watermelon.
She is a picky eater about several things but the things she loves, she LOVES!!! Below is a picture of her trying to eat the entire artichoke! I love introducing her to new things and seeing how she likes them. Her birthday week, I gave her a whole pink grapefruit for the first time and she was in love.

#7. Horses.

Though she hasn't been on one in nearly a year, she is fascinated by, loves to read about and look at pictures of horses. She says she really wants to take horse back riding lessons but I am not quite sure we are ready for that type of responsibility and commitment, just yet. In the mean time, running up to them whenever she sees one or reading books and writing about them.

#6. Soccer.
I believe this is her 3rd or 4th season of soccer and we have been impressed with her passion towards the sport, her eagerness to practice and most importantly her aggressiveness and hustle, while playing on field. She gives it 110% every single game. Because of all of this, this Fall, we have committed her to an Academy style, more intense and competitive team. The icing on the cake is that two of her very best friends are joining her on the journey.

#5. Ella.
Although these two life-time best friends don't go to the same school, I don't think there is much that can take precedent over Ella as far as Addie is concerned. In fact - as I scan the list of #1-4, I am pretty sure that she would choose to be with Ella over doing any of the remaining items 99.9% of the time. They have nurtured such a natural and comfortable bond over the last seven years, that it is pretty amazing to see them together. I want them to work hard at always respecting their friendship, even at an early age, and not allowing life to ever come between them.

#4. Delaney & Carter.
For the very first time in the the previous six years, Carter isn't at the TOP of the list. Nothing has really changed with them, they still get along famously 98% of the time and Addison wants to be outside playing with him and exploring whenever given the opportunity. The difference is Delaney has really taken a turn to wanting to be with Addison most of the time - (I am certain it's a gender thing) but surprisingly, Addison has responded royally really embracing Delaney and taking her under her wing. She is quick to offer to take her to play dress up and blast FROZEN's 'Let It Go,' in order to dance together or "play kitchen" in the evenings as we are finishing up dinner. We can clearly see how Addison lights up when Delaney wants to be with her.

But as I said, nothing has changed - yet, with her brother.  Addison still LOVES hanging out in her big brother's room, looking at crystals and playing "Spy Kids" outside for hours at a time. At 8.5 years old, Carter hasn't minded her being around at all, even when he and Barrett or Reggie are outside shooting baskets or playing Nerf Gun battles. Clearly, they both still enjoy one another's company.

#3. Swimming, Being Outside & Adventurous.
Most seven-year-old girls love being in the pool and swimming but Addison definitely has a passion for the outdoors and nature. This is something that has probably kept Carter and Addie closely bonded over the years. She is a tom-boy, loving to touch and even kiss fish, catch lizards and worms and dig in the dirt. There isn't a lot that this gal is afraid of.

#2. Loves to doodle cute stick figures, loves to "write in her journal."
I started seeing it six months ago - these ripped out journal pages all over her room and my car, of cute stick figures and the same style puppy dog that someone had taught her how to draw. On graded spelling tests, that came home, I will always see a heart picture with a "I love Sra. Guzman" on every paper. I asked her if she was trying to score extra bonus points with her teacher?! At this age, it definitely makes cleaning out the car and backpack an extra cute experience seeing all her drawings and doodles.

This says... "I love lions."

#1. Cartwheels and Splits - NON-STOP.
In all honestly, there are have been times that I have wondered if she remembers how to walk normally any longer because at ALL times - both indoors and outside, she fits in a cartwheel or two OR THREE. She loves, Loves, LOVES tumbling. I took her outside one day this past week with the iPad filled with "expert how-to" videos and a list of tumbling exercises and we had our own impromptu tumbling lesson. She loved every single second of it and loved showing off what she learned.

Ideal gift ideas to remember for others at this age: journals & art supplies.

Carter - City Wide Bike Rodeo

Since Carter had won first place at his school for 2nd grade Bike Rodeo, he got the honor of representing at The City Wide Bike Rodeo. It was double exciting, as Ella Perkins was there too, representing her 1st grade level!

Delaney & Daddy: Swimming

Delaney and Addison: Comparison In Pictures at 2 Years Old

Addison was about 4 months younger in these pictures and we can clearly see how there is, in fact, a remarkable difference in their coloring of hair and eyes.

Flash back to early 2010 HERE!

Last Day of School: Carter 2nd Grade & Addison 1st Grade

Flash back to August 2014 here: