A Word on Eden at 5.75

I have so much in my heart regarding Eden that I hardly know where to begin. Please bare with this stream of thought. Lately...she is dead set on being an artist when she grows up, and pretty confident in the fact that she is one already. Her two bottom teeth are extremely loose. She first noticed it back in February while we were in Baja - I didn't believe her then but when we got home I saw for myself that her tooth was indeed loose and the second followed shortly after. The picture I have posted here was taken back in January, I was still waking up when I came into the kitchen to see that she had already prepared "breakfast" for herself and Zi. Not what I would have chosen but beautiful and hilarious all the same....Just recently she had a dinner and desert that she really enjoyed, afterward she complained to me that her 'belly was full but her mouth was still hungry', perfectly verbalizing that feeling that I rarely have words to express. She is also in this place in time where she needs constant tabs on my whereabouts. Even, and especially, at the house. I can not go from one room to the next without giving her a full account. This is not really a new thing, it sort of ebs and flows with Eden and it's not a particular highlight either - I am open to suggestions regarding this, cause it kind of kills me. That aside, just the other day it occurred to me how incredibly strong this child is. She is strong in mind, body, and spirit. I find that this character trait can make it difficult for some to understand her or appreciate her, but I think it's the trait that will serve her best. She has a strength that I have rarely seen and to see it in all aspects of her person is incredible to me and I am so excited to see how she will continue to grow. 

Side note - Eden asked Jon and I to replace her carpets the other day, just before going to bed. We told her no, that it was too much money and that she needed to go to bed. The next morning Eden came out with all her money in her hand (a couple dollar bills and some change) and stated emphatically that she was gonna buy some new carpet with her own money. I explained to her that it would take a lot more money so as of last week she has started some weekly chores for a weekly allowance of $1/wk to put toward her carpet fund. 

Lately Eden has been really good about expressing her gratitude. Gratitude for the trips we take, for the time we spend together, the food we eat. If there is anything I would like to instill into my children it is gratitude, so the gratitude she has recently shown brings me so much joy!