Amelia at almost 6...

This post, as the title states, is all about Amelia. Our younger daughter, and middle child, and an almost 6 year old. Mia is great, she is so funny, and sweet, I often call her "sparkles" or "sparky", not because of the glitter that occasionally clings to her face and hair, but because of her sparkling personality. Everything from her hair to her eyes radiates joy, energy and a bouncy, bubbly personality. She brings laughter, and happiness to a room, and is generous with her sweet smiles and cheek splitting grins as well. Amelia is so funny, she cracks herself up, and loves to make others happy, exuding generosity wherever she goes.

Mia has had a hard time adjusting in some ways, she has learned English so fast that at times we forge that she is fairly new to the language, and does not always get all of the nuances and intonations we use. She struggles to understand certain things that are complex for anyone, and hates to be wrong or left in the dark about something. This leads to some strange conversations and discussions, some that end in "we will discuss this and explain it more when you get a bit older", frustrating for her, the original "who, what, where" child. Mia is curious about everything, and anything, she has an endless stream of questions, with others formulating before you have finished the first, prompting us to have to remind her to listen, and hear the answer. This is hard for her, in her desire to learn and know more, and with her very flexible mind, she always leaps ahead, but often does not grasp all of what we said, she is slowly learning how to really listen and understand/digest our explanations, then move on to the next thought, because there is always a next thought:)! At times it is something of a comedy routine to figure out what she is asking us, like today "mommy, are the people on the radio real?" So now I am wondering if she thinks they are fake, or made up people, like Hannah Montana, or really people, so I question her further, and find that she really means "are the people on the radio singing live, or on a CD", this was the eventual translation of the first question, but this required 5 minutes of clarifying on my part, and much flexibility and understanding of how her mind works to reach(she was disappointed to find that they were in fact on CD, she wanted them to all be live I guess:-)

Amelia, for all of her sweetness has a very grumpy side, she is slow to wake, and a grouch to boot. She is also an expert sulker, and gives looks that say "I don't' like you, you a very mean mommy" quite eloquently with her big dark eyes, and audible eye brow motions(if you have never seen/heard audible eye brows I will try to get a pic to show you, they speak volumes of her displeasure). Her sulks don't last for long thankfully, I am not sure I could withstand the big sad eyes for long, and she is back to her sunny sparkling disposition, she is also easy to tease out of the sulks, a little cuddle and a few tickles generally does the trick!

Mia is also my big helper, if there is a job, she is all for doing it, she can be counted on to pitch in and help do chores, and let the dogs out for me, and she follows directions well enough to help bake and make lunches. She loves to help out and is super excited every time she gets her allowance money for doing chores. She is saving her money for a new toy, and will have enough to get it soon, she is very dedicated and determined when she wants to be. Also very daring, she has little fear of trying new things, and throws herself with gusto into any new activity, leading the way with spirit and excitement. Amelia's willingness to try anything is a joy, she shows confidence and resilience and makes us so proud of the young lady she is becoming.

Amelia is a blessing to us all, as a daughter, sister, cousin and granddaughter, and it has been a joy and pleasure to watch her blossom. I thank God constantly for this gorgeous little girl He has given us, and for the privilege of raising her, we cannot wait to see what the next years will bring!! We love you Amelia Birtukan, God blessed you the day you were born and we are forever thankful to Him for the joy and sparkle you bring to our lives!!!