Another Year

Her day came earlier this month and we celebrated. Another year spent with my girl Lou. Another year of hearing her giggle. Another year of amazing art from her hand. Another year creating memories in the mountains. Camping, swimming, fishing, and collecting rocks. Another barefoot summer, and another fourth of July. Another year of school under her belt, and another year of milestones. Like her first chapter book, and consistent 100% scores on her spelling tests. Best of all, Lou decided this past year to put her strong will to good use and stop sucking her thumb. Cold turkey. Just like that. She did it because she decided to. She did it because she could. Another year of wearing the knees in her pants out, and another year of caring for her brother. Another year of looking up to her sister, and another year of becoming Lou. Oh how I love her. We shared another year with her, and we look forward to another. We celebrated that beginning with cake and presents as it should be. I can't wait to see what another year will bring. As I look over my shoulder into the past I see how much Lou has grown, and although she has changed, many things remain. Her strong spirit, her random ways, and best of all her freckles. For the next year I will happily document her growth so that next year at this time I can reminisce once again. I'm looking forward to another year with her.