Charlotte… she’s like the sun, moon, and stars all at the same time.

She enters a room and fills it with light.  At times, I need to find shade but I’m always inspired by her confidence which allows her to see every new experience as an exciting conquest.  To her, this is Charlotte’s world and we’re all lucky to be in it.  She’s inquisitive, smart, creative, outgoing and seems to have endless energy.

When the night comes, Charlotte calms me with her wisdom.  Her favorite book right now is 100 Most Influential People and she asks daddy to read it to her every night.  Her questions are always from a place much older than 7.  Afterward, she asks for snuggles from mama so we can have some girl talk.  She likes to chat about her friends and how to handle recess situations.  For instance, she started a “Girls’ Club” this spring and was insistent on the rules and being chief.  She listens and tries, but ultimately her inner drive takes over which sometimes just doesn’t fit inside a 7-year-old body.

Charlotte fills her days with school and many after-school activities.  She just completed her first year of dual immersion.  She loves Spanish and is always up for more with daddy at dinner or teaching Johnny and I in the car!  She also enjoys ice-skating, skiing, gymnastics, theater, swimming, and (sometimes) piano.  At home, she loves legos, barbies, crafts, making potions, our undivided attention, and playing with Johnny.

Dear Charlotte, I love you beyond measure.  Happy 7th birthday.  Thank you for teaching me and letting me witness you take on the world.   I’m honored to be your mother.

Below are pictures from her actual birthday on April 3rd when we still had two feet of snow outside and then her birthday party in May when we invited all of her friends over for a Harry Potter themed party with a climbing wall.