Pictures

It really hit me yesterday that Mehalia will be nine soon – halfway to official adulthood, at least the beginning of it.  She’s been wanting to do a lot more grown up things, like trying a mojito (no rum, extra sugar).

Trying her first (non-alcoholic) mixed drink

Towards the end of second grade, she decided that her style was scarves and headbands, and she had to wear them every day.  Of her own initiative she took a shower the night before her first day of a new summer camp, since she wanted to make a good first impression.  A few weeks ago she was really happy to help out with her great-grandma’s garage sale, insisting that she be the official money taker.

Calculating change for her customers

I love that she is one of the most creative individuals I’ve ever met.   Since she was a toddler she’s been crafting toys from paper, boxes, string, and rocks, and recently she’s developed a signature card design (I’ll have to get a picture of one later).

She knows she wants to be a singer; a few years ago she learned a couple songs with her pop accompanying on guitar, and last year she started looking up lyrics to songs she’s heard and practicing them.  I could go on and on about all the things I think are cool about her, but definitely the best part of being her mama is the inspiration she offers to express my own creativity and be the coolest person I can.

She makes new things with everything she finds