This is an 8-year old's sister!

Who lost her first tooth on her sister's birthday!

This was a long time coming... in many respects. Months ago Clara first started talking about having a loose tooth. But she was also deep in a "tall tales" mode and we all wrote it off as (very) wishful thinking on Clara's part. Especially since Molly was in the midst of losing a few teeth and clearly Clara wanted some of that attention.

Then, a few weeks ago, Clara repeated her "I have a loose tooth!" story. And I was in the midst of repeating my "That will be really exciting when you have a loose tooth" line, when I heard a click click coming from her mouth. I looked in, and lo and behold! she did have a loose tooth. And today, after much drama,while walking down the hall on the way to being dismissed from school, that tooth finally jumped ship, ready to be traded in for a treat from the tooth fairy. And this is one proud girl!

This is 8!

Eight is all confidence. 
Sure-footed, mastering new skills by the minute. Swimming? check. Piano? check. Biking 7 miles? why not?

Eight is all love. 
Embracing her close family and friends. Thinking of ways to make them feel special. Hugs to everyone at her birthday dinner table. Long conversations on the phone to family far away. Slipping stickers into her sister's tooth pillow to honor her sisters first lost tooth.

Eight is all freedom. 
Freedom to dress however you're inspired. Freedom to dance however the music moves you. Funky chicken dance? absolutely. Groovy mellow moves? you bet. Zippity hoppity songs? she's got the rhythm.

Eight is all snuggles. 
Mama can you rub my back? Daddy, I know how much you love me, but can you tell me anyway? Sissy, can you be my assistant and help me order more food at the counter? (I'll hug you all the way there!). 

Happy birthday dearest Molly! You're taller, stronger, and more exciting than ever. This past year you traveled the world, fell in love with Germany, started second grade, got your first secret crush (shhh!), mastered biking & swimming, can't stop reading (even when the books scare you!), and are jumping into piano with both feet. You still prefer a few close friends to many superficial friends, but your friend circles are growing. And your life away from us is growing more complex and exciting (we just learned about your Orange Magic Club!). And you do all this with your trademark earnest, sincere, inquisitive, and thoughtful style.

I can't wait to see what you bring to your ninth year!

much love, Mama

Clara's gift: hand-painted framed sister-photo.

Clara writes a story...

Silly sisters and Nona's lovely windmills!

She huffed and she puffed...

.... but she just couldn't blow out that (trick) candle! (until she enlisted help from Nana & Clara)

Happy Birthday Girl!