It's Good to Be Seven: Lucie

Our Lucie turned seven today at 5:04 pm. We watched the clock switch over together, with a hug and a kiss in the beautiful late summer sun. Today was a special day of birthday treats in 1st grade, well wishes from friends on the playground, and overflowing ice cream sundaes for dessert. We feted Lucie in grand form, because it's not every day a girl turns seven.

How fortunate we are to have our sweet Lucie B. in our lives. She makes us laugh, points out the beauty in the world, asks the most insightful questions, and brings us great joy with her incredible zest for life. Lucie teaches us something every single day.

Here are some lessons from Lucie, our girl with eight (!) adult teeth, at age seven:

Fairies exist. Always believe in them, no matter what the kids at school say about the tooth fairy. Fairies appear at night in the garden, school yard and park, and they love it when you leave them notes. Lollipops, notes and fairy dust can sometimes be found in reply.

The best way to relax is to read a book with your Mom, Dad, Gigi, Grandma or Aunt Rach. Chapter books are especially good, like the American Girl Doll books or Rainbow Magic Fairies series.

Cotton dresses are the most comfortable clothes on earth. Who needs pants or shorts (or anything with a buckle or zipper) when you can wear a dress every single day?

When feeling low, get in the water -- the pool, the shower, a bath or jumping in waves in the ocean, any of these will do. Water is an instant perk-up, and will surely cause smiles, giggles, singing, and wild "Rock Star" dance moves in no time.

It's never too far past bedtime to plead, "Please Mom, just one more chapter?" She may not admit it, but moms always want to read more too.

A meal without bread (muffins, bagels, pita, etc.) is no meal at all. Unless it's tacos, of course.

Bits of trash or unwanted items can be reused in the most unexpected ways. A few broken pencils, a bottle cap, a bit of rope and leftover paper towel rolls can turn into a fairy house, complete with a zip-line, in no time.

Boogie boarding is the best sport on earth! Especially with your Dad on a beautiful summer day.

Caring for others can come so easily. From helping out little brother, to sticking up for a best girlfriend on the playground, being thoughtful and loyal towards those you care about is the best way to approach the day.

You are so loved, dear Lucie! Thanks for teaching us, each and every day.