10!

My daughter is 10. I am a bit late in posting as her birthday was on Friday. Madeleine is one amazing kid. I am, of course, biased.
Maddie is:
-determined...when she wants to learn something, she gets to it. Even when she was a little baby, she was determined to learn to sit up, walk, run, jump, talk. She was determined to read at 5, determined to play the piano, determined to be a great soccer player...the list goes on. She wants to try everything!

-adventurous...Maddie's answer is most always, "Yes"! She loves to try new things and doesn't shy away from adventure. I think she is like Mike in this way. I am often surprised by her willingness and daring attitude. Last year at Playland we were watching the bungee jumpers. Chelsea and I could hardly watch. Maddie's response...."Cool..I want to do that." I lied to her...You can't, I said. "You have to be 45."

-kind-hearted...Maddie has a big heart. She often sees the lonely and needy at school and seems to understand others' points of view. She also has a strong sense of justice and has a hard time tolerating any "rule breaking" of any kind! Maddie has a sensitivity to all things spiritual. She understood the gospel at a young age and asks insightful questions. She has an analytical mind so she enjoys questioning and making sense of her faith.

-mature....I think she is a typical firstborn. I probably expected a lot from her as a young child, so she rose to the occasion! Sometimes I have to remind her that she is a child. She tends to be pretty serious about life! She does, however, know how to be silly and it always does my heart good to see her let loose!

-young....this seems to be the exact opposite from what I just wrote. She is mature, but she is young. Maddie likes dolls, webkinz, imaginary games...She doesn't buy into what's in and what's cool. She holds my hand and yes, still crawls into bed with us occasionally!

It's been 10 joy-filled years. Maddie has been one of those kids who has been easy to raise. She has her moments, as every child does, but all in all, she is wonderful, easy going and loved very much.