She's not a little girl anymore

So Sydney turned NINE last month. She's only a year away from double digits. Where did that decade go? There's no more princess parties or doll tea parties (although she still loves her American Girl doll). There's no more dress up and dresses that "twirl". Getting her to wear a hairbow is a battle these days. And while I miss the little girl that she was, I'm thoroughly enjoying the big girl that she is. So, here are just ten reasons I adore her, in no particular order:

1. She looks like me. I don't think I'm all that beautiful, but I do enjoy it when people tell me she looks just like me.

2. She's a natural nurturer. Anyone who spends 5 minutes with the kid knows this. And praise God that she is, because I need all the help I can get with the little guys.:)

3. She loves a stage and a microphone. That girl loves her some attention, and she belts her favorite tunes at the top of her lungs.

4. She loves bling on her clothing. As I folded her laundry last week, I realized that nearly every long sleeved shirt she owns has some form of glitter.

5. She loves all the same shows I loved as a child: Cosby Show, Little House, etc.

6. She loves arts and crafts of any kind. Give her some pipe cleaners, and she can keep herself busy for hours.

7. She adores her brothers. Even though they make her crazy sometimes, she takes great joy in reading to them, playing with them, and teaching them new things.

8. She loves to climb trees.

9. She loves to read mysteries.

10. When she's disappointed in herself, she just wants me to sit and hold her while she cries.

This year, she wanted a karaoke party, and she wanted to do it at home. So we set up a little stage, hooked up the speakers and microphones, cleared out the living room and let a bunch of little girls jam their hearts out. It really was a lot of fun, but if I never hear "Breaking Free" from High School Musical again, that'd be okay with me.