To my beautiful little girl that I dreamed of and wanted for so long. All those long months of trying to conceive you seem like so long ago. I have changed so much, and certainly you have in the last 6 years. How little I knew about life and parenting and living by faith back then. And honestly, how little I probably still do know, but I've certainly learned a lot in having you and experienced and dared to live in ways I couldn't even imagine when you entered this world.
You are such a treasure full of determination and emotion. Oh, the emotions! I really didn't think I'd encounter those until puberty, but child, you have them. Big feelings is what we often call them because sometimes you just can't explain why writing a letter backwards makes you so mad at yourself or why you just can't hold it altogether anymore when I pick you up from school. Sometimes you just need a moment alone, like me. Sometimes, you have to be reminded that we will never be perfect, and that's ok. Then we can experience the beautiful gift of God's amazing grace...on a daily basis. I need that reminder, too, babe. And like me, you like school, and you love to learn, and you aren't coordinated with sports at this point. That's ok. You have many other gifts. To celebrate your birthday, we let you choose a family activity, and you chose Bowling! You lost both games but you didn't care and had a great time. We gave each of you a dollar to spend in the arcade, and you spotted the claw that never picks up the stuffed animals in the machine. You were determined! All on your own and with your last quarter, you successfully grabbed the husky dog you wanted. You affectionately named him Snow and he has slept with you every night since.
You so often paint pictures, make necklaces and wrap things you own to give to others. You love to sit and read by yourself even though you don't often know all the words. Your determination will get you far. I love your excitement when you see friends, and you are so well-liked at school and by your teachers. Mrs. Kilgore frequently tells us what a great example you set in the class with your manners and hard work. Thank you for making that so easy for us.
You are into coloring like it's your job these days. And you love to be outside exploring the woods with your siblings, riding your bike and climbing trees. You go through spurts with your hair and liking headbands or twists or some other hairstyle you dream up that I attempt to create. Recently you sewed your own dangly hair bow. You were so proud, and you wore it to church....
You are by far our messiest child. We stand wide-eyed as you carry your glass of milk to the table. You are never allowed to carry things in multiples. This just equals disaster. You regularly trip, spill, knock over and manage to look like you washed your food in face after a meal. This morning I was wiping milk off your eye and nose. Thankfully, you can laugh about your messiness, and we do our best to not make a big deal out of it. But sometimes, I just go, "Seriously?! How did that even happen?!"
Since you were 2 we have been memorizing Scripture as a family, and the verses you remember amaze me. And I love that you are starting to connect the verses to stuff in real life. It's getting to your heart! And that's so much of what we want - a soft heart that loves and leads others well. A heart that is bent toward Jesus and serving others in His namesake. We are all learning together, and you are doing a wonderful job soaking in the truth and learning what it looks like to live out the words you are memorizing.
Becoming the middle child has probably been the hardest thing in your 6 years, and we don't take that lightly. We know it hasn't been easy sharing your room, no longer being the oldest and navigating life with 2 siblings, but you are doing a great job. Thank you for making room in your heart and in our home for your big sister, Leila. Thank you for sharing your toys, sharing momma and daddy and sharing the attention. You have helped her learn English better and you are such an encourager as she learns to read right along with you. We love you sweet girl. You are a treasure.
Momma
P. S. You still suck your thumb! Oy vey.
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