5.5 & 7.5

 Yesterday Gaby turned 5.5 years old and during the past 6 months I have seen the most changes in her personality since she was born.  I could sit here and write exclusively about how wonderful and sassy my daughter is (and she totally is all that!) but OMG is she a complicated little girl! And I promise I say that in the most loving way possible... She has turned out to be the most stubborn and bossy little person and as much as I like to think those are "good" traits that could turn into even better things in her adult life, I have such a hard time dealing with her sometimes. She has a mind of her own and there's just no changing that.  Gaby is the most loving little girl I know, but she can be whiny and demanding when we least expect it and that is the hardest part about having a "5 going on 15" girl for a daughter.
She enjoys movies, music, coloring and pretend play.  She also LOVES fashion and accessories and is super girly..and cats..she LOVES cats. She is reading above grade level and definitely enjoys all kinds of books; I really love it when she reads to me (or the cats!) and she is very proud of her accomplishments in that area.
Gaby loves little dolls, My Little Pony and the Ninja Turtles.  She also claims to be "IN LOVE" with a little boy from her class; she is so infatuated by him and I think *it* could qualify as her "first" love.  It's cute and funny... but mostly cute since I know there will be a time where I know longer think it's funny...she really hates it when I trivialize her "love" for Daniel.. wow!  Gaby also loves singing and dancing and knows pretty much all the lyrics to every Taylor Swift song or anything that plays on the radio, honestly...I've got quite the performer here!
Gaby, I know that one day you will read all this, so please know that we love you so much but you need to get a handle on your "moodiness" and learn to enjoy life for what it is.  You are one amazing little girl and we are so proud of everything you do.  I love how creative and spontaneous you are and you make us laugh every day! Happy "half" birthday, little one! Stay sweet... and bossy! ha

My other little lady turns 7.5 today and of course I have to write about her too!  Let's start with the fact that the "pre-teen" stage came way too early with Olivia, and again, I say that in the most loving way possible.  Boy can girls be complicated!  Olivia is funny and most of the time she's in a good mood, but if her mind is "short fused", please run in the other direction! Olivia can go from happy-go-lucky to cranky pants in a matter of seconds and she sheds tears like there's no tomorrow.  I definitely think she could have a career in acting and could probably audition (and get) any drama role she aspires to! Ha!
She loves singing and playing the piano and her musical abilities are undeniable.  She is also a great dancer, tennis player and writer.  She always asks me to post her stories on my blog and I really should get around to doing so, they are very impressive!
Olivia is the most amazing big sister there is and as much as she bickers with her little sister, she protects her and cares for her about twice the times she bickers so I guess that cancels out the negatives. She is such a faithful little girls and LOVES going to mass; of course that makes me very happy, especially since she will be getting her First Communion soon so her excitement about God and prayer makes me think that we're doing "something" right as far as faith foundation goes.
Olivia, whenever you read this, please know that you are so loved and so admired by us. You have grown into such a special little person and our family is better with you in it.  We love your personality and life can never be dull with your wonderful sense of humor.
Happy "half" birthday, little lady! Stay funny...and whiny! ha!