Dear Alice,
Today you are eight years old. You are now firmly in your mid-childhood years. It is blustery cold outside today, just like the day you were born. I say this every year, but I can't believe 8 years have passed so quickly.
Second grade fits you well. You are becoming more aware of the world and learning how to deal and cope with your growing emotions. I love the way you work through fears (with your strategies as you call them) to push through your doubts. You juggle between your over-confidence and uncertainty all while keeping an amazingly positive outlook on the world.
This hasn't changed one bit since the day you were born.
You get things, and continue to get things more and more everyday. So much that I sometimes have to catch my breath. While you are proud of your independence and love self-sufficiency, it terrifies me. You will be my first tween, teen, first to drive, and first to vote--these firsts will span over the next ten years until you're an adult. These days will be numbered and empty nesters warn me to breath, pause, and be present. And if I forget or lose sight of the moment, you, my love, are the first offer me a reminder (or a guilt trip!).
soccer, a sense of wonder, honesty, kindness, legos, bedtime stories,
buttered noodles, and how to "nae-nae", but most importantly, how to love a child unconditionally. This year I will remind myself to breathe, pause, and be present more. To take in your wonderful personality each and every day with patience, kindness, and love.
Love,
Mom
