Update on Our Girl

Exuberant [ig-zoo-ber-uh nt] - adjective
1. effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant.
2. abounding in vitality; extremely joyful and vigorous.
3. See "Nora Tran"...

I can't think of a better word to describe our Nora. Our sweet, laid-back baby girl has grown into such an energetic, opinionated, brave, out-going, loving young lady. Everything she does, she does it with gusto, she gives it 110%, whether it's squealing with delight, jumping from great heights (much to Mommy's worry!) or giving a hug (or 3 or 4). We hear often these days, "Let me do it by my big girl self!" as she's growing more and more independent and testing her abilities (and boundaries).

She is still a bit of a tomboy (although I'm thinking I don't like that label), spending much of her time running, jumping, splashing in (very muddy) puddles, swinging, digging in the dirt, swimming in her pool, throwing balls, collecting rocks, wielding swords and battling invisible "bad guys". In fact, after seeing the movie Tangled, we've had to be careful about leaving frying pans anywhere Nora can get her hands on them.

Cinderella has also become a favorite around here and Nora has also started getting into princess play. Each morning she runs to her closet declaring she has to find "something suitable to wear" (a.k.a. a dress for the ball). Btw, I had NO idea the stress and drama over what clothes and shoes to wear would start this early! And, in preparation for the ball, she often asks "May I have this dance?"...tonight, I found her waltzing with her Baba in the living room, a precious memory.

Nora wearing "something suitable" ; )

With all her unbridled energy, we've had a few bumps and bruises around here lately....

...a bloody lip and yes, a broken finger. You can ask Nora about it, she likes to tell the story with every detail, but in short she "pinced it in da hide-a-bed!" : (

She is such a great big sister to Silas...

and what a helper. We recently caught her doing this...

We celebrated her birthday this year with a big kid, backyard birthday blowout. I can't tell you how fun it was to see all the neighborhood kids, cousins and friends from church swarm to our backyard to celebrate our little girl.

Nora and her pinata, pre-demolition.
Although you can't tell from these pics, Nora was having a ball!

With swimming and soccer, pinwheels and a pinata, coloring and cupcakes and most importantly being surrounded by those who love her dearly, Nora's love tank was totally filled.

As we cuddled and I rocked her to sleep that night, her face was covered in a contented grin. Thang and I have been discussing lately how important it is to teach our children how to celebrate - although I'm thinking it will be awhile before we have a celebration quite that large again!

Our little Nora is proving to be quite a handful but she makes us laugh every day and we couldn't be more thankful for her vibrant spirit. This year, I am praying John 10:10b for her...

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

...that she would know the abundant life God offers her.

P.S. If any of you have some good book recommendations on the "spirited child", let me know!