Top 10 things about Bea...

who is now 10!

Bea turned ten years old on Friday, around 3AM. I woke up around the time she was born, like I always do, and thought about how quickly the time passes. It’s hard to believe she’s been on this earth for ten years already, but I also feel like I’ve always known her.

To commemorate a momentous (and very fun) birthday, Richard and Harriet and I put this list of ten things about our favorite ten-ager:

1. She is a great, loyal, and kind friend. We could see this last night at a climbing gym as she cheered on her pals as they climbed to the top, or just the middle, of the wall. Her friends are awesome too—I’m really glad she has such a sweet and supportive group of kids at her school and have been feeling especially thankful about our school community lately.

2. “She always makes me feel better when I’m hurt or sad.” This one is from Harriet.

3. She knows a lot about a wide range of topics, from world mythology to deep-sea creatures, but shares her knowledge in a way that isn’t showy or obnoxious.

4. She’s hilarious. We love Bea’s jokes, prank ideas, bits, and voices. Bea also loves acting and prefers funny roles.

5. She’s creative, ever-curious, and a great problem-solver.

6. Bea is a terrific communicator—she can explain something difficult, or tell a story, in a way that’s perfectly attuned to her audience. A rare skill!

7. “She loves to play outside with me, and jump in the leaves with me.” (Another one from Harriet.) Bea loves nature, the outdoors, and all animals.

8. She’s super athletic. No idea where this comes from!

9. She’s adventurous, and claims to be “un-scare-able” (like Louise from Bob’s Burgers). We’ve found this to be true, from the movies and shows she likes (scary ones) to the trees she climbs (tall ones).

10. Bea cares about others, and wants to work with others to make the world better. We believe she already has.

Bea in my office, pretending to be confused about landline phones …

Bea and pals at the bouldering gym…

Bea at her cousin Isaiah’s birthday party, where she got two hits in her first baseball game ever…

We love you, Beatrice!

I hope you Frog Troublers had a great Thanksgiving celebrating your beautiful families! See you again next week.