Happy 8th Birthday, Madley Grace

Today is another belated birthday post, and this one is for my main girl, Madley Grace Miller.

Madley turned eight on April 16th, and she is truly just an absolute joy to celebrate.

Seven was such a fun year for Madley. She tried two new sports — soccer and track — and loved them both. She became an avid reader, continued being an incredible student, and even had her artwork selected for the school art show.

She is doing her own hair, picking out her own clothes, and showing up every day with style, swag, and confidence.

The girl is on fire.

And honestly, year eight does not look like it will be slowing down one bit for Madley Grace.

Eight Looks So Sweet on Her

One of the biggest things about this year is that Madley will become a big sister at the age of eight.

And when I tell you she is excited, I mean there is no word in the English language that fully describes her excitement level.

I already know she is going to be the ultimate big sister. I cannot wait to watch her thrive in this new role. I honestly think one of the greatest blessings God will ever give me is getting to see Madley become a big sister.

Emerson is so, so lucky and blessed that Madley gets to be her big sister. I am just so excited for those girls to have each other.

And yes, I may need a minute because my eyes are watering just thinking about it.

Okay, I’m back.

A Sweet and Simple Celebration

Our spring has been absolutely bonkers with baseball, Easter, school, and all the end-of-year events. There just wasn’t really time for a birthday party this year.

But Madley was totally fine with that.

She said she just wanted a family dinner, and boy, did the family spoil her. It was simple, sweet, and so much fun.

So today, I thought I would share a few things that maybe not everyone knows about our Madley Grace.

1. Madley Is Very Neat

This might surprise you if you know Madley, because she can come across as such a free spirit — carefree, fun, and totally go-with-the-flow.

But she actually loves her things organized.

Her shirts are color-coded. She likes her desk neat. She likes her drawers organized. Even her schoolwork is so tidy.

She puts away her own laundry because, honestly, she wants it done her way. And I get it.

She has such a good eye for making things look aesthetically pleasing, and it is honestly so refreshing.

2. Madley Is Very Independent

Madley does not like to ask for help very often.

She truly believes she can accomplish basically anything she sets her mind to, and she gets very annoyed when someone doubts that she can do something.

She usually takes that personally — and then she usually proves them wrong.

Time and time again.

She is different from her brothers in a lot of ways in this area, and I honestly love it. I am so glad we are having another girl, because I am really hoping Emerson takes after her big sister in this way.

The amount of things this girl can get done is incredible.

3. Madley Is Loving Her New Rollerblades

For her birthday, Madley got new rollerblades, and it has been so fun to watch her try something new.

Rollerblading is pretty new for the whole Miller family, but she has faced it head-on and has gotten so good in just the past few weeks.

She loves going on skates while I walk, and it is just the cutest thing ever.

I am so glad we went out on a limb and got those for her birthday.

4. Madley Is a Sharer

Madley loves to come home and tell me everything that happened in her day.

The good, the bad, the ugly, the “you won’t believe this, Mom,” and, of course, all the school drama.

She loves to share, and I hope that never changes.

It is so different from the boys, who usually give me about three words and call it good. So it is really fun to hear Madley process and reflect on her days at school.

I treasure those little conversations more than she probably knows.