LL's 9th Birthday Letter from Mommy

My sweet Lorelai,

I feel like as much as I try, words can't tell you how much I feel blessed and lucky to be your mom.  You are such an amazing girl, and I can spend the rest of my life trying to deserve the gift that is you, but I still will never reach my goal.  I used to think, when you were a baby, toddler, and preschooler, that I never wanted you to get bigger.  I liked all of your really little stages, and I didn't think there was any way I would like these "big kid" stages more.  But you know what?  I think I was wrong.  The more you grow, and the bigger you get, the more I really like the stage that you are in.

This last year with you has been great.  Now that you're older,  we're really able to talk about more than we used to.  Your understanding of things is just deepening so much, and I LOVE that!  Most mornings, you don't want to watch a movie in the car on the way to school, you just want to talk to me.  And while I'm not the most chatty person at 6:30 in the morning, I'm soaking up these times and praying that these morning chats in the car are forming a bond between us that will help you to know that you can always talk to me about anything.  The teenage years are coming quickly, and I so desperately don't want you to shut me out when we get there.

You've faced some big fears this year.  Moving from the Primary school to the Elementary school was no joke for you, and we had quite the adjustment period there at the beginning of the school year!  Thankfully, you are a trooper and you just pushed through it - and now you are thriving in 3rd grade!

Another thing that I absolutely love about you getting older is your willingness to do/try new things.  Even with food!  You're at a point where you understand that trying new things can lead to liking new things and you're ready to go for it!  You're also learning to be "brave like a cheetah" even when you don't think you can be.  Don't be afraid to have wings, sweet girl.  Some of the scariest things you can do can also lead to the greatest rewards.

Speaking of school, this year hasn't been the easiest for you academically.  Which I actually don't think is a bad thing.  You're learning some very important lessons about trying hard, failing and getting back up, and striving to do better the first time; I think these lessons will serve you well throughout the rest of your life.

I'd like to say that this year with you and Cooper has been the best yet, but as you both get older, we're running into a learning curve!  You both have very strong ideas and opinions about things, and they don't always match!  You have had some really sweet, awesome moments together.  I know you're both having to learn how to be siblings and friends without one of you being a baby who is willing to go along with anything the other one wants.

I am so excited for this summer with you, LL.  I just have a feeling that you and Cooper and I are just going to have a blast living it up and not having any more baby stuff hanging on.  I already have so many fun things planned, and I just absolutely can not wait for so much time with you, sweet girl.

As you get older, I just want you to remember certain things.  You, my darling girl, are so strong.  You are brave, you are kind, you are compassionate, and you are funny.  Hold on to these things.  At some point in your life, the world might try to convince you that you are not these things - but I promise you that you are.  Keep your focus on Jesus and all of these qualities about yourself and you will stay the course.

I love so much, my sweet girl.
Mommy