“Happy Tears” {} personal

Today my baby is officially a big girl.

She’s considered herself one for a while now, but I’ve been in denial.

Time feels like a thief these days and although I know there are so many great seasons to come, I just couldn’t help shedding a few tears for the ones passed as she performed today in her first dance recital.

The day started early at sweet and sassy with an “up-do” and a manicure (not to mention getting her makeup done at Nordstrom). She was in little girl heaven and I’m quite certain her cheeks will hurt tomorrow from all the smiling.

 …she showed off a few practice moves before the big show…

…and after much bribery, posed for a few shots for her old mom.

She could not have been cuter or more into her routine…

…and my mom brought her flowers that she absomalutely loved!

When we got home (after some ice cream, of course), she wanted to strut her stuff a little longer before the hair came down and the costume went back in the closet.

…and she showed me her most sassy face when she was ready to be done 🙂

As I put her down for her nap, I had to explain to her what “happy tears” are and then called my mom to apologize for all the times I was annoyed when she cried them.

Dear Emery: you are hands down the cutest ballerina that ever lived. Thanks for promising that you’ll never be “too cool” for me when I was babbling on about always wanting you to be my baby.