














Bella turned 7 yesterday.
I sat last night and tried to put in to words how I feel about her and who she has become, but I found it impossible.
I just don't know how to capture her spirit in words. Every year I write about how wonderful and funny she is, how proud of her I am and how lucky we are to have her in our lives.
But this year I struggle to sum up such a wonderful, complex, intelligent person.
When I think of Bella I picture her raising her eyebrows and smiling cheekily at me. Imitating a look that I've been giving my mother since I was a child. I picture her dancing with that mix of childish abandon and sophistication that makes me both happy, proud and a little sad, all in one fell swoop.
I see her wrap her arms around Lily and pull her close. Offering to share her new toy, her last chocolate, her special teddy.
I think of all the letters she's left on my pillow, telling me how much she loves me and thanking me for everything I do for her. For no reason other than to make me smile.
When I think of Bella I laugh. At her walking down the street, hunched forward, with a silly look on her face, making Lily laugh so loudly.
When I think of Bella I'm proud. Of how she throws her arms around the people she loves and always makes everyone feel welcome. The way she shouts "Hazel" with real joy when she see's her. The way she hugs her Nana. The way she always goes along with the joke.
I love to hug her. I love her. I love who she is and who she's become. I love the fact that I can see an amazing individual, already making her own way in the world. Making decisions, taking care, looking out for everyone else.
And she's only 7. She's already 7.
Happy Birthday Beautiful Bella.
You're cool.