Letters to My Children | Eight years

Dear Patricia,

Today marks eight years since you blessed us with being parents for the first time. Daddy and I prayed for so long to be able to have a family and you were everything and more than we had dreamed of.

When I think back about your personality those first few weeks of life, I am amazed that the fiercely independent girl has not changed much. I see glimpses every once in a while of what’s to come and am afraid it all will happen too fast. As I tucked you in last night, I whispered in your ear that it was your last night as a 7-year-old. You giggled and clapped, giddy with excitement. I fought back a tear.

You are losing your “little girlness”. We pierced your ears this weekend. I glance your way and the little sparkles in your ears make you look so grown up. You’ve done a lot of that this year. You decided princesses are no longer cool. The Barbie house was deported, along with all your Polly Pockets and baby dolls. Instead, you love to dance and listen to music and can spend hours lost in a good book. When you brought home a bunch of Sweet Valley High books, it really hit home. I remember LOVING that series and I didn’t think of myself as a little girl when I read them.

I’m proud of the amazing young lady you are. I love that you can see when others need a helping hand or a prayer and you so whole-heartedly give it. I see how you genuinely love your little brothers even though you often claim the opposite. Those moments where you take the time to read to Jake, play Legos with Jimmy, or just sit all together and giggle and tell stories are so precious to me.

Happy birthday baby girl. You truly are my sunshine. I love you!

Love,
Mom

* This marks the first in a monthly blog circle, Letters to My Children. I have adored reading others’ similar letters and think it is a great way to document our life. I hope the kids will appreciate reading this, now and in years to come. Life is busy. I want to use this exercise to keep me present in the moment and remind myself what wonderful children I’ve been blessed with. 

To continue through the circle, read Nikki Reiche Vassallo’s letter HERE.