This half year has flown by and I can see you growing & changing daily. You have seen some growing pains lately as you struggle to find your place in your new class. You are not 100% girly girl yet you are not 100% tomboy either. My heart hurts for you as I remember those feelings from many, many years ago. I want you to know that this will pass and you will find your niche, your people, where you fit in for you. Sometimes it just takes time.
You continue to excel in gymnastics and love spending your time in the gym. You competed in your first winter showcase and you received all blue and red ribbons. The determination and dedication in your eyes was remarkable, and I was so proud to see your efforts rewarded.
You are swimming and playing tennis for SMM this year; your official first sports for school. I think it has been good for you to see friends outside of the classroom and get to have fun with them in a different space. You enjoy the concept of being on a "team" and representing your school.
You are back to your motherly/big sisterly ways with your baby sister. You love to get her dressed in the morning or give her bubble baths at night. She calls you Ya-Ya; a nickname that she made up all on her own. It is so fitting and one day you both will read a book about just that: Ya-Ya Sisterhood. I am so happy that God blessed you with a sister. You bring each other so much joy already.
You have been so welcoming to Aspen as he joined you at SMM. His little heart lights up when he sees you and he adores having his big sister there to help him. You are quite the tutor, quizzing him on his sight words and encouraging him when he is in doubt.
We have been spending more one on one time together and enjoying those moments. Manicure & pedicures; Target runs; spa nights with bubble baths & face masks; movies & sleepovers with dessert in bed. I hope you always love spending time with me.
A few weeks ago you began to cry at bedtime. You said, "being the oldest is really hard sometimes mom." My child, you are very wise. It is really hard at times. This I know. It can often feel like the weight of the family/world is on you. I know this as an oldest child, but sometimes I too forget this as a mother. I promise to remember that more. I promise to remember that even though you are the oldest, you are still a child.
And I hope that you always know how proud I am of you; how serious you take your role in our family; and how growing pains gives us strength always.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
