Our firstborn baby is eight years old today! Erika is such a fun, kind, smart, beautiful, loving, and good-natured girl. Being the oldest, she makes Matt and I experience all "firsts" with her, and sometimes they are amazing and wonderful, and other times we struggle through something new. But she is the best kid to help us through all aspects of parenting. At eight, she is looking and acting more like a "big kid" than a "little kid". I have really great conversations with her about all sorts of different topics....and it is nice now because we can talk candidly and more adult-like. I love her mind and how it works and especially how she is so compassionate about others. She always gives people the benefit of the doubt....even when people are bothering her, she complains about it, but then she'll finish with "maybe they just need me to be more patient with them". She loves her brother and sister, and generally plays quite nicely with them. There are times, which are becoming more frequent, when she deems their playtime "too babyish" and would rather be by herself. When they do play together, however, she is still the leader and usually can persuade them to do what she wants to do! Erika is working on worrying less....unfortunately she sees this character trait quite often from her mother! She is concerned that Levi will get lost when we go to the zoo, or that her classmates aren't quiet when coming to a railroad crossing on a school bus. But, she is fearless about trying new things! She climbed to the top of a 65-foot high zip line at Camp Yamhill without hesitation; she participated in a week-long soccer camp not knowing anyone else attending; she asks older kids if she can play with them at the park. She is very mature and funny and smart and people love being around her! Erika loves reading, playing outside, soup, anything sweet, making lists, and being with her friends. I love this little girl so much....and see myself in her quite often. We tend to disagree and she gets frustrated more with me than any other time in her life, but she is loving and mature enough to talk it though. We are both learning what it means to have a different, more mature relationship....and I am loving every minute of it! We are so proud to be Erika's parents and thank God for her every day!
1. What is your favorite color? Green
2. What is your favorite toy? Stuffed dog; "Chocolate Chip"
3. What is your favorite fruit? Pineapple
4. What is your favorite movie? American Girl movies
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Burrito
6. What is your favorite subject in school? Reading
7. What is your favorite game? Hide and seek
8. What is your favorite snack? Nutri-grain bar
9. What is your favorite animal? Dog
10. What is your favorite song? "Happy" by Pharrell
11. What is your favorite book? Rainbow Magic
12. Who is your best friend? Helmi and Kennedy
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing
15. What is your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What is your favorite restaurant? Shari's
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Tacos
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Fashion designer
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