Letter to My Christmas Baby

Dear Miss J,

You are nine today. I am in awe. Stuck in a sort of time zone of memories. All of the momentous milestones of your short, yet impactful life have been flooding my mind and heart today. You are indescribable; amazing. And, for a brief time called childhood, you are mine. I’ll say it again, I’m in awe.

How have nine years passed by in the blink of an eye?

We were so young when you were born. Thankfully you were even younger and didn’t notice the apparent parenting flaws that flock the home videos you watched today from your first year. You brought us so much joy, while we struggled with our new roles. You survived us, and we are better for it.

This year you have changed so much. You are growing up into this gorgeous, self-composed young woman who challenges authority and aspires for peace and fairness. I love this about you. I love that you feel so strongly about such issues at such a young age and already do make a difference around you. I watched you with your friends at your “almost-over” party last night. Giddy and foolish, young and loving life, and yet careful and friendly with each girl, making sure no one would feel left out or leave without having a wonderful time – even though it was YOUR night.

I love your giggle and how you still crinkle up your nose in that cute little smile of yours. I love watching you read and hearing all the stories and tales that are filling your mind and your daydreams. And you are still oh so the drama queen! Even while playing basketball and getting so seriously INTO that game (my amazing rebounder), you will become the actress supreme as you feign dehydration and dramatically pretend to pass out right at half-time.

You are still our mother hen and I know you are counting down the years till you can officially babysit all your little brothers. But you are so great with them, and truly look out for them. I know you have some wonderful friends in them as well.

These past few months have been hard for you. Moving away from your long-time home and friends has not been easy for such an emotionally sensitive little girl. And I ache as you have cried, understanding too well the pain of change. And yet you have embraced the change and tried so many new things, and done so well in each area. You keep very busy, and yet are always ready to have fun or help out.

You have so many talents. From making crazy bread or baking cookies, playing piano, painting and drawing beautiful creations, writing the most entertaining stories, trying out and excelling at athletics, and so many more. I can’t wait to see what else you will do and who you will become. You could be so much with all that you already are, and I will wait with baited breath… in awe.

I love you. Happy birthday.

Mommy.

(she had her "real" cake: nanaimo bars at her friend party - but I don't want to post pics of others' children)

A beloved and long-wished for gift: her doll Emily.

My sparkling girl and boys with our Christmas outfits.