My girl.

She slept so much i worried something was wrong.
(for the love of god don't tell people that; they'll think you're bragging)
Her spirit outpaced her tiny body and she fought sleep.
I held her tightly as she cried and cried
until her will surrendered to the security.

So different from her brother
content to sit and play
no rush to run
I can almost not remember her not talking.

My clumsy toddler.
As likely to fall from a dead standstill as a run.
Has chosen her own clothes since she was able to get them on herself.
Such a fashion plate
Where did that come from?

She would survive on cucumbers and ice cream
if I let her
and has told me with a straight face
that she doesn't like cooked rice.

She will move mountains if she can protect
her beautiful heart
I will try not to stand in her way
but beside
just behind
my hand on her shoulder.

let me do it
don't make me do it

my sweet sleepy baby
my talkative toddler
my Miss Independent
my so-clever student
my iron-willed child
my fierce butterfly
my sisteen year old nine year old
my girl.