And Then She was 7

Yesterday the Schnitzel turned 7.  We were both still a bit jet lagged from our trip to Nebraska. It was another low key birthday celebration in the Dimock house.  Eileen woke up and had breakfast in bed (as requested).  She didn't ask for a special breakfast or lunch. Eileen didn't even take advantage of the opportunity for free dress since it was her birthday. The teachers at school (even the ones who aren't hers) did a great job of making her feel special.

She only asked for hot dogs and watermelon for dinner. Okay. Super easy. I almost feel a little bad because of how little was required of me.  I baked a cake the night before--gluten free, dairy free funfetti.

Eileen was pretty dirty (and knowing she had a doctor appointment the next day) I made her take a bath before cake and presents.

Eileen got the official age 7 present -- a Kindle.  She got a Kindle Paperwhite (no Kindle Fires with apps here!).  I got her a really pretty cover and pre-loaded a few books.  I got her Binky the Space Cat and the Imaginary Veterinary Book Series.  Later in the evening I showed her how easy it was to borrow books from the library.  She was amazed but the way books instantly arrived on her Kindle.

She quickly curled up in her favorite chair for some light reading.

For her birthday I finally caved and downloaded an app for the Ipad that she has been begging for, Unicorn Glitterluck.  Eileen was so revved up from her day and so enthralled with her Kindle that she had trouble falling asleep.

Eileen at 7 is a joy.  She is currently obsessed with cats --reading about them, drawing them, making puns.  She still loves unicorns, fairies, and rainbows.  Eileen likes swimming and art, especially painting.  She is very aware of how others are feeling and wants to do things that she thinks will make others happy.  Eileen loves Robin.  The two of them have so much fun together. 

She is generally easy going except when she is tired--and then oh my God the whining.  She has finally started letting me play with her hair after a 2 year hiatus.  Her hair is still so thin and baby fine.

Eileen is still the least competitive of the three kids.  She is happy to do her own thing and isn't motivated to do the best, but rather pursue her own passions and interests. 

This morning in the car Eileen asked me if I missed Baby Eileen.  I told her yes, but I liked this version too.  She asked if her birth was the happiest moment of my life.  I was almost taken aback by my body's visceral response.  Her birth truly was one of the happiest moments of my life.  In the moments after her birth, I was so struck by her beauty and my love for her.  That awestruck feeling has never left.

One of my co-workers told me the other day how much she loved Eileen and informed me, "You got a good one." Yeah. I did. She's pretty great. 

Happy Birthday Eileen.