6 Years of Hurricane Karina

My brother fondly calls Karina a hurricane.  It's true.  She mostly is one--strong, powerful, unexpected, a force to be reckoned with.  But she's even better than a hurricane because she's welcomed, loved, and admired, which is more than a true hurricane can say for itself.

Yesterday, we celebrated our little hurricane's birthday.  She has been asking about her special day for weeks now, counting down the days, planning her party and cake, making a birthday wish list.  She has been more than excited to celebrate her special day.

Karina decided she wanted her ears pierced as one of her gifts.  We talked a lot about it and she was determined she was brave enough to do it.  A couple of weeks ago we were at the mall when we saw a little girl getting her ears pierced and we watched the whole procedure.  As we saw the girl cry, I asked Karina if she still wanted to pierce her ears.  Mariah piped in and said, "You know, Karina, piercing your ears doesn't come without pain."  Karina thought about this for a few seconds and replied calmly, "Yeah, but I'm tough."  That's my girl.

She proved her toughness yesterday as she walked straight into the ear piercing store without hesitation, while swinging her arm and saying, "I'm gonna get holes in my ears!"  Not a glimpse of fear was evident.  As she climbed onto the chair and waited for me to sign paperwork and the worker to mark her ears, I only saw the slightest glimpse of nervousness appear in her mannerisms--crossed arms, a slight look of seriousness in her big eyes right before the deed was done--only things that her mother would recognize, though.  To everyone else, she was a rock.

She didn't even flinch when the earrings went in and she was grinning and happy as she left.  Her strength and confidence never cease to amaze me.

We also took her to Build-A-Bear Workshop as one of her gifts.  They had My Little Ponies there and she was thrilled to pick out Rainbow Dash.  It was our first Build-A-Bear experience, so all the kids were excited to see the process.  Once Rainbow Dash was brought to life, complete with a heart and a theme-song-singing foot, it was time to accessorize.  Jason tried to convince Karina to add bling to Rainbow Dash, but she was completely content to have her as is.  No capes, no crowns, no shoes, no earrings.  Just pure, unadulterated pony.  "No, Dad, I don't want her decorated," she kept saying.  No amount of convincing would change her mind.  So, off she went with her new, un-accessorized Rainbow Dash and her newly pierced ears, as happy as can be.

I love my little hurricane.  She keeps me on my toes and makes me a better mom because of her strength and determination.  Happy 6th birthday, Karina!