Adelaide Jane: 10 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

I can hardly believe that I am writing you this letter and you're turning 10 years old. Double digits! It seems like only yesterday I was sitting down to recap your first six months of life. We have shared so many memories over this decade that I want to bottle them up and remember them forever. So many precious milestones and achievements. So many growing pains and learning experiences.

You are a fierce little girl who is not afraid to express how she is feeling. Yet you are gentle & kind to those whom you meet. You aren't really a stranger to many; always willing to include others and chat about their problems.

You are bright eyed and eager to learn. Not only in the classroom but life as well. You thrive in school and are always keen on being close with your teacher. You have a way of lighting up a room with your big smile and your happy heart. 

                                            

You are flourishing at gymnastics {despite fracturing your foot on the first night of fall practice} and the practice you put in amazes me. I hope that you always feel confident, compete with your all, & love the sport the way that you do now. Passion in life is key...don't ever forget that sweet girl!

You had big goals this year on how to treat your siblings & the type of big sister you want to be. You're part mini-mother and part fun-loving big sister to them. You often comment on how being the oldest is...I believe that is because you take your role very seriously. You want to be the best you can be and yet still enjoy being Big Sister. You wear it well~ even when you feel like you don't.

You continue to love swimming, drawing, reading, writing, riding bikes, and simply playing. Ten years in and your spirit is alive & booming! I was afraid that my strict discipline would break it at times, but we've learned a thing or two together as we have navigated mother-daughterhood for some time now. 

In so many ways, you are my best friend & I am yours. I can still find you in my bed fast asleep at times...after you've quietly snuck down while laundry is being folded. I don't really mind if I am being honest; the moments when you want to cuddle me in the middle of the night are probably dwindling so I hold on tight to them.

                                           

Keep being you, my Adelaide Jane. Keep believing in yourself & the magic of life.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy