Dear 7yo who just tried to sneak past me by walking sideways through the dining room,

I realize you were trying to hide the mud on your pink pants that I specifically asked you to be careful about not getting dirty a few minutes ago. I know you didn't want me to see it and I can respect that. A gal's gotta try to take care of stuff on her own sometimes after all. I get it.

But here's a tip: I might not have noticed had you just walked in here like you normally do. But when you did that walking gallop thing right past me I had to look. I just did.

Here's the thing. I love you. And you didn't need to try to hide it from me. We have a washing machine and we all know how to use it.

But here's the other thing: Thank you for not being SO sneaky that I really wouldn't have ever noticed. I love that you are still 7 and you act like a 7 year old.

And thanks for changing your pants and putting the other ones in the laundry.

Love, Mommy who doesn't have eyes in the back her her head, but who does really notice a lot more than you think she does