Maeve

While I am on the topic of a "shout out", I thought that Maeve Nicoll really needs one. In her very own right, she is really quite a special girl. She certainly is the typical 10 year old with her constant arguing and negotiating. She is also the typical 1st born - in charge and certainly confident. But what's not typical about her is the brave nature she has in facing the world. She wears the craziest outfits from time to time but with such confidence that even I believe she can actually pull it off. Maeve is also naturally sweet. Something, I never felt about myself - I don't remember being "sweet", even at 10. I think the best way to describe her is that she is just super comfortable in her own skin. She makes friends easily and has not had much difficulty in school. I think she just knows she can do it and if she can't - that's okay too. One time I asked her if she thought she was pretty and she said "yea". But not like, "of course I am" or even like an excited "can you believe how pretty I am" either.....it was just a very simple, "yea". I was so happy she thought so - I would have done anything to think I was pretty at 10! So when I look at her sometimes I wonder where she came from. This tall dark beauty with confidence sans the arrogance who can enjoy activities to the fullest even when she doesn't excel at them. Who is this girl who comes downstairs in creative get ups from head to toe, ready to face the world? She tries to be friends with everyone and I have never seen her be mean to a friend. I am SO happy that I think she has true empathy and appreciation for her world. Truth be told, she is a gem. The time we spend arguing is a small little hiccup compared to how easy it's been to parent her. (remind me of that the next time I spend 20 minutes trying to get her to clean her room!!) So this is a shout out to Miss Maeve Onnalee Nicoll....doin' me proud!