For the Love of Pete...

Today marks Breanna's 1/2 life with us. Today she is 9 years old. Half our years with her in our house full time are over. I can't imagine being without her first thing every morning and saying goodnight before bed every night.

Breanna is my rule follower. When she was little it took only my counting to three on my fingers to get her to do what she was told. Now I know anywhere I take her I will be sure to be complimented on what a great guest, patient, or student she was. She has started riding her bike to and from school, I know she will not venture from the path or dawdle and be late. Trustworthy should've been her middle name.

Breanna is my perfectionist. Less than perfect causes frustration. She is harder on herself than we ever are. She brings home Straight As every grading period. I joked when they tested her for gifted, saying she studied a lot and tried really hard, so she couldn't be gifted, because those kids are bored by school and don't really try. Um no, apparently she is off the charts smart and tries really hard. I sure hope that doesn't change.

She has it in her head that she wants to go to MIT and become a Math professor. No, not teacher, a college professor. And where would she want to teach? Mommy's alma mater of course, University of Florida. I won't be shocked if this actually happens. She's one of those kids. She already is a great teacher. Sometimes I over hear her helping Brooke and it makes me so proud. Her teacher told me she often assigns Breanna to help other kids in class.

We call her a tomboy, she likes all things blue and sporty. But she has long gorgeous hair, and asked to get her ears pierced in kindergarten, so no all girly things are wasted on her. She has a tough exterior, bruises and scrapes don't bother her. She already has 2 trips to the ER under her belt. But on the inside she's super sensitive, and teasing words hurt her. Breanna talks a lot, but only to those she knows well. She is horribly shy, but deals with it much better when we are not around to help her.

Breanna is a great big sister. And Brooke idolizes her, covering her with hugs and kisses when she gets home from school with tons of stories to share. I love that Breanna still plays so well with her little sister and doesn't think she's too big for such fun.

I am proud everyday to have such a great kid. Happy Birthday Breanna!