The other week our family was snuggled up on the couch just chatting. I was reminiscing about when Claire started school and I had asked the older girls what they wanted to be when they grow up. I guess I just love that unicorns are real and that Claire wants to be a mermaid when she grows up. Aoife had said that she wanted to grow up to be five.
Anyway, we were sitting on the couch talking and laughing about it and Ross decided to ask Aoife what she wanted to be again. He listed off different ideas and to each, she said no. She got a little more frustrated each time until she finally exploded, "I don't want to be any of those things! I just want to be Aoife!" Genius, right? I loved her little outburst.
Raising daughters terrifies me, but I am grateful that in the not quite four years of her life Aoife is confident in who she is and loves who she is and doesn't want to be anyone else. Loud and proud, she wants to be Aoife.
I am in awe when the girls announce "I'm so smart" or "I'm so strong" or "I'm so *insert positive adjective here*". They are determined, strong willed, sometimes stubborn, and still sweeter than sweet and I love it. There's something special about little girls. We love princesses, nail polish, and arguing about who gets to marry Daddy (apparently my time is limited), but we also love science and exploring and super heros and sports and trucks and learning.
I suppose I should be proud that in my 5 year parenting career my children are confident and happy and love themselves and each other. I consider that a success. The real challenge is not screwing that up. I feel like up until now I've only had to offer encouragement and keep them alive. Now the real task begins. And it is scary. Tips, tricks, and advice from mothers of amazing daughters is always welcome.
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