9

Amara Pearl Josephine is turning nine! Nine! Like all the billions of parents before me, I am shaking my head how the years have both flown by while also seemed to have moved in first gear.  Nine. I can't believe how this little person has so completely filled my life with her presence. Nine years. Yet, nine years from now, the same amount of time Amara has graced our lives, she will be thinking college. I can't even fathom the day she will not at home with us. The mere thought makes my heart shed a few tears.

For now however, I don't have to worry. Amara (for now) remains deeply attached to both her parents.  She will tinker with Don in the garden, or help him to change the oil in the cars. Amara is always up for playing a game or jumping in the bath with me. Amara loves to cook, is eager to help with chores and tell me all about everything going on in her life. (Don too; whenever I try to tell Don something, he usually tells me Amara already told him!)  Recently, I was needing some space (I had to pee). I asked her to give please leave. She wouldn't budge. I then told her she was like my shadow. With a big smile, she told me she liked being my shadow, and stood in the bathroom door while I used it! That's Amara.

 

That's not true. Amara is so much more than a little girl who needs to feel secure by having her parents nearby and engaged with her. We have known since birth how curious she was but little did I know how much I would learn and grow because of her.  On a hike at Camp Caz (photo above), she insisted we explore the creek further and further. Sure enough, Amara discovered some little caves and a small waterfall. The day before I had done that same hike and had not seen those things. With Amara in the lead, my world expands.

Amara also makes life funnier. She has the Coughlin funny gene and tells jokes, plays tricks and does silly stunts.  Amara has her dad's sense of humor which makes this family giggle and smile often. That is Amara.

 

Amara's strong willed nature has shown up since first few years. But Amara is also a very thoughtful person. She is sharp as tack. Nothing goes past her and she is quick to point something out or to let you know you missed something (which makes me want to scream at time!). But Amara is also a kind hearted little girl who loves her family and friends deeply. Her cat brothers too. Amara's compassion for animals is moving. For someone who can present as a little bossy and tough, she actually has a very tender and loving heart.  Amara started making a birthday list for Havana (who is 7 this month). When I told her that the present her sister wanted was too expensive, she ran upstairs only to return a few minutes later with tooth fairy money in her hand. "This is nineteen dollars. We can use this to help." (and then she did the math to see how much more we needed!) That is Amara.

When asked what she wanted for her birthday, Amara told me a pogo stick. I burst out laughing. "Seriously Amara? You are a pogo stick." Amara has boundless energy. I can barely keep up at times. (I should have known pre-birth, because Don and I would see her little foot kicking my stomach out so that it was visible, every night, for hours). This little gal,  she had four 5 k's under her belt, spends hours on the trampoline, is always ready for a hike and when she is not purposely active, she is like Tigger; bouncing and moving all around! That is Amara.

 

Amara is going to be moving up to 4th grade next year; a new classroom, new kids (and old too). The change will be both challenging and welcomed. Change is hard for anyone but especially Amara. But she is a bright girl and I am confident that she will thrive. Amara loves to learn, socialize and be involved. 

Amara is all of these things and so much more. Amara is  delightful little being and I am thankful each and every days she has graced my life.