Jen

When I look at this child, I can say without a doubt that I'm filled with emotion. I guess I'm most overwhelmed by the delicate beauty I see. Her skin has a soft, peachy, glowing color, and her light-red hair hugs the contours of her faces and falls gently to her shoulders.

Upon closer look, I see large violet-colored eyes with black eyelashes, which seem almost artificial. Above her eyes are the most distinctly arched dark eyebrows I've seen on one so young. I think of all the time I spend trying to achieve what this child has naturally. Her nose is small on a thin little face. The mouth is small too, with thin pink lips that turn up quickly into a smile as I speak to her. As she lifts her head, I see a distinctly square chin, which seems to point outward as she gives me an impish grin. I look beyond her smile as she jumps and runs on thin long legs. She lifts her arms up and down as she runs and relishs the fact she can snap her long fingers.

As this child grows and develops, I see more than physical changes. A budding personality is emerging. She has qualities of both her parents. I'd like to say only their good qualities, but this would be deceitful. I can say she projects a truly genuine personality that's all her own. There is nothing tomboyish about this little girl. She loves adorning herself with jewlery, sweet smells, and frilly dresses. Of course, she will not accept just anything. Her dresses must be red, with ties in the back, and especially not itchy. The curt denial of anything but her desires might result in a freeze over Brazil. She can stand by the mirror for hours combing her hair and admiring pigtails one day and the next refuse a combing altogether.

She thinks ballet classes are just great, but loves rough-housing with her daddy (as long as it's not too rough). Her quick change from bubbling giggles to torrents of tears always signals the end to rough games for her. How she loves to play silly, but her intense pride in doing projects well can be almost overwhelming. The look on her face will tell if too casual a reply about them has been given.

Her sensitivity to others is so mature. A quick kiss to her sister's hurt knee or a gentle "It's all right." come so easily from her, but if called to her attention, she lowers her head in quick embarassment. A moment later, though, she lifts her head and shows a wide grin, and I know everything's all right. She has appreciated my noticing.

I could go on and on about this little beauty, but that might be bragging. For you see, my mother love is showing through because this little girl is my firstborn, Jen.

Guest Writer: Sherry, dated 11/23/1977

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I guess my writing abilities came from my mother's side. :) I found this description inside my baby book today. I was 5 when she wrote it. I hope my writings inspire my girls when they are old enough to appreciate them.