Double Digits
Today we celebrate our last little baby! Carly Jo is turning 10 today and it really has gone by in a flash. I have been celebrating milestones like starting our last year of elementary with no emotion other than joy but something about the realization that for the last time I kissed my last baby goodnight with an age in the single digits had me a little bit teary. Carly Jo…not so much!
This sweet girl loves to tell my other kids how “mommy prayed for me” and will willingly listen each year at how she is my only baby that came early. Both things are true of course! After my daddy died I knew my heart would not be complete unless I added one more baby to my bunch. About the time Hurricane Rita started stirring up in the Gulf of Mexico, this precious girl decided it was the best time to make her entrance. She is very glad I did not decide to name her Rita!
Today I thought I would celebrate this girl by writing the top 10 reasons why we just can’t get enough of her!
She is a fun girl! No matter what she is doing she is finding a way to make it fun. Carly sees the joy in the little things
She LOVES her family fiercely. Ever since she was a little girl she has been quick to recognize her family members and loves nothing more than to have everyone together. She is so proud of each and every one of us and often when she has show and tell I find her taking something to showcase one of us instead of herself.
Being a good friend is so important to her and it shows in the kinds of friends she attracts. I feel like she’s the kind of girl that would stand behind you to the end but also call you out if you were getting off track.
The girl really loves her birthday! Like seriously the day after her birthday party she will begin talking about what kind of party she wants to have the next year! She really soaks it all up. Surprises are her favorite and no matter what she receives she LOVES it. 
She is so thoughtful. At Christmas she even shops her own room and makes sure every person in the family has a gift to open. Always listening, she tucks away ideas and often knows just what the perfect gift is for someone else.
Where I was when the witty gene was handed out I do not know but this girl made sure she picked hers up! Carly is so witty and funny at just the right moment. I love looking back at all her little quotes through the years.
Her laugh, or giggle rather, is incredibly contagious. It is wholehearted and I dare say I doubt many would be able to contain a smile upon hearing it. 
I probably should not love this so much but Carly Jo loves telling stories about what has happened at home. Fact is she often changes up just a few little tidbits to make it more interesting which should probably alarm me but it totally reminds me of another little girl I knew and she turned out okay.
She likes a good debate! Again, probably shouldn’t like this so much as I know this is going to cause me some pain in the near future. I love that she is not afraid to speak her mind at home. She doesn’t hesitate to call me out if I’m judging one of them for doing something I do all the time. She will challenge me on pretty much anything if she thinks she is right. I know it is a trait that has to be channeled appropriately but it can be a big plus someday. I definitely have seen the stink eye plenty of times when she does not like the words coming out of my mouth!
She is beautiful inside and out. She soaks up every last ounce of joy every single day and it really just doesn’t take much to make her happy. She is thoughtful and kind and trustworthy. I hope she will always choose to dance!
We love you to the moon and back Carly Jo. You were the perfect baby to complete our little family.
Questions for Carly
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Food – Italian
When I grow up – Teacher
Favorite Movie – High School Musical
A slumber party was her choice again this year so Friday there will be lots of giggly girls at my house! You can read about her Night Owl party last year here.
She is just precious! Hope her birthday was fabulous!!!!
Thanks Kimm! She had a super day with lots of love. This girl knows how to celebrate.
We are so thankful for Ms. Carly! Holden is a lucky, lucky girl to have her as a friend! And, tell her she's my FAVORITE cause – well, High School Musical, duh! 🙂 Can't wait to celebrate her tonight!
Aw Happy Birthday to your sweet 10 yr old! Double digits! What a blessed family you have and you got to do the cute boy and girl thing twice over with your BIGS and LITTLES! Love it!