Happy Birthday, Maggie

Maggie is 7 today!

Dear Maggie,

When I got into the shower yesterday, the song on the radio was “Big Yellow Taxi,” a song I don’t think I will ever hear without thinking of you.  But yesterday, in addition to thinking about your misheard lyrics, I also thought about how the song is about change, and how much you have changed in the past 7 years, and also how much you have stayed the same.

From before you were born, you had a mind of your own.  Overdue by over a week, you made it known quickly that, even after we had forced you into this world, we had disturbed you plans.  The first night in the hospital, you cried every time I stopped feeding you; you seemed so angry I could not make your day get any better.  At seven, you are still strong willed, but you are so much more skilled at it.   On Sunday morning at brunch, you pouted and stared stonily because you had ordered chocolate milk instead of the lemonade you wanted (insisting, the whole time, that you had actually ordered the lemonade. That there were 5 of at the table plus the waitress who had heard differently did nothing to change your mind).  Although I was frustrated that you wouldn’t cheer up, the strength of your conviction made me smile.

You have always been strong.  Even as baby, with your rolls of baby fat, you held your head up, sat up, crawled and walked early.  And now, there is no more fat on you, and you are even stronger. You love sports– love the challenge, the teamwork and the ability to be good at something. It is wonderful to watch you run and play and see that it isn’t only that you are good at it, but that you really enjoy being active. Of course, you have also been known to walk into walls when you aren’t paying attention (and sometimes, even when I think you are), and can manage to fall down while standing still.  It is hard to balance those two things, but you seem to manage it somehow.

And your mind!  You are an academic acheiver, good at math and reading. You love science, and everything you have to say about school you say with such enthusiasm.  I love having your teacher tell me how much fun it is to have you in class. The stories you tell us at home are funny and interesting.  It is a real treat to watch as your funny, creative, quick mind develops.

Being your mom has been the best job I’ve ever had. It can be difficult (see the strong willed part) but it is also the most rewarding thing I’ve done, too.  We have our moments when we butt heads, but I’m working on it.  I’m trying to be more patient and remember that sometimes, you are acting your age…

And now you are done with your ice cream cake snack, so my break is over, and it is time to get back on the job.  I love you, Mags.

Love, mommy.

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