Dear Peanut,
Well, you finally made it! You are now halfway to adulthood and that much closer to moving out of our house and on your own, as you playfully like to remind me. But as I like to remind you, don’t feel like you need to move out at 18 on my account. Either way, I’m proud, amazed and delighted in the young woman you are becoming. I look forward to seeing where God takes you.
I must say, these first nine years have not been the easiest — for you or for me. You play the fortunate and unfortunate role of firstborn, just like I did. On the one hand you get to experience all the firsts of life before any of your siblings. It’s a good thing too because on the other hand, you fulfill the role of guinea pig and the one who has been subject to my on-the-job-training. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve needed A LOT of training. But if the last year is any indication, I have a hunch we are well on our way to a smoother ride. I would say this has definitely been our best year yet. You are getting more and more fun and I’m getting a lot less anal retentive. I think hope.
I’ve enjoyed watching you grow and mature the last 18 months, trying all sorts of new things. I don’t know if I’ve met anyone who more thoroughly enjoys a good game and a little competition. In fact, I don’t know that you’ve ever turned down a chance at winning something. I’m trying to figure out how I can work this to my advantage and award ribbons for washing the windows and scrubbing the toilet. You’d be all over that. Then again, if I offer to pay you to do those things, you’re more than willing since you’re always looking to earn a little cash.
Speaking of cash, you are the Lemonade Stand Queen, sitting out in the blazing hot sun for untold lengths of time in the hopes that someone will pass by and buy a glass of lemonade while dropping a few coins in your money jar. Apparently you’ve perfected your recipe because I’ve never heard of customers coming to the door after you’ve gone in for the day like they did the last time you set up shop. You can even persuade your brothers to join you on occasion.
Speaking of your brothers, I love those times when I catch you being unbearably sweet to them. I could have positively eaten you up the other day when we were at Costco and all of you spotted the Eggos (about 3 aisles away I might add) and Josiah started yelling at the top of his lungs (as he is prone to do), “Eggos! Eggos! Mommy! Eggos!” and you stealthily ran over to him & gently whispered in his ear, “Josiah, don’t scream or mommy won’t get Eggos for us. You have to use your inside voice and use your manners.” He understood instantly what you were saying and asked, “Mommy, could we get Eggos please?” And then when I agreed to buy the Eggos and his excitement turned to yelling once more, you so impressively channeled his energy by asking him if he wanted to help you put the waffles in the cart. Truth be told, I agreed to get the Eggos not because Josiah used his inside voice and manners, but because you were so adorable in the way you interacted with him. Your striking external beauty is only magnified by your delightful internal beauty.
Us girls have to stick together forever. Good thing it won’t matter if we live in the same house or not.
I love you.
Times infinity.
Mom
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Hi, I'm Amy. I 
I feel like I could have written this. The firstborn is the guinea pig, the one to break all the rules. I love her so much and she’s so much like me. *sigh*
Thank you for such a nice post reminding me of the joys of my firstborn.
Hugs,
Melinda
Melinda’s last blog post..I have to write this down
Ah, very sweet reflections! Thanks for sharing.
Pleasssseeee replace your computer…. I miss reading your posts but it’s great you’re getting lots done. Maybe your next post could be about that and then you’ll remember how much you love writing and you’ll be hooked again. I’m kidding…..sort of.
Melody’s last blog post..Churchy Happenings