beauty in the beholder

it's great to know that in all the worrying we do about our children (how much they eat, how much they sleep, going potty, getting exercise, playing nice, how they're growing, how they're feeling, how they're talking, how they're learning, and so on and so forth and many more things), at least in summer girl's case, self-esteem does not appear to be on our top list of concerns.

like most parents, bryan and i tell our girls often how beautiful they are.

this has apparently gone straight to summer's head.

a few examples:

some sundays ago, after dolling up for church, summer prances into my bathroom where i am getting ready and asks, "mom, why am i so fashionable?"

one evening as she's lying on my lap, and i'm running my fingers through her hair, she turns to look up and me and says, "i'm really pretty, aren't i?"

after family prayer last night, she gets a serious look on her face and remarks to the group, "i have to be beautiful for my friends tomorrow."

in the car on the way to ice skating several weeks ago, summer declares that while we're out "everyone will tell me how cute i am in my hello kitty hat."

and it turns out that summer's self-assurance is not limited to just her physical beauty. she'll also be pleased to tell anyone who will listen how smart she is, how well she colors and builds play houses, how wonderful she sings and dances, or really how great a job she is doing at just about everything in her little life.

of course, bryan and i have no idea where she gets that kind of confidence.