Six
Dear Alexis,
So. Six.
SIX.
It's such a big number. You're far, far away from being a preschooler now. Instead, you are a full-blown Kid. You're a full-blown Kid who loves reading books, controlling Barbie's universe, watching movies, and skipping through life with your arms wide open as you look for happy things to embrace. I can take a bit of responsibility for teaching you to stop and smell the roses, but you've taken that lesson so seriously that lately you've become the teacher. Now it's you who reminds me that there is happy in everything. Absolutely EVERYTHING. Remind me to someday tell you about the light the police officer gave you when we were in the car accident. It's a perfect example of how you manage to cherish and share the silver lining in every cloud.
In the past year, so much about you has changed. Some of it everyone can see. For example, much to your glee, your hair finally started to grow. Most of the changes, however, lie below the surface. You understand how the world works so much more now than you did a year ago. We have deep conversations about all kinds of difficult topics and you always come out of them with a mind-blowing level of understanding. To be honest, sometimes it's a bit annoying that you understand your world so well. While I used to be able to give you a pseudo answer to a difficult question and leave you satisfied, now I have to pull out the Real Answer or risk having you call me out on my illogical response. I expect that you'll be smarter than me any second now.
Of course, you going to school isn't helping my quest to stay one step ahead. You're an exceptional reader and kindergarten has certainly pushed that along even faster than you were pushing it on your own. You still get frustrated with reading from time-to-time, but mostly you walk around absorbing every word you see. You have even made it a habit to read the words I've written in this space. I wasn't expecting THAT to happen for at least two more years.
The next year is shaping up to be one full of monumental changes for you. I know that you'll handle all of the changes with grace and joy. It's just who you are. Never stop that, OK? No matter what, don't ever stop finding happy in your day.
I love you, Alexis, and I always will.
Love,
The Mom Who Still Wishes You Would Sleep In Your Own Bed
(Photo is from one year ago today. Oh, how time flies...)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Reader Comments (10)
Such a great photo!
Happy birthday Alexis!
Happiest of birthdays to her! Six, wow.
p.s. take lots of photos of those baby teeth, they're about to come out! ;)
Looks like she had a whiz-bang of a Winter Wonderland birthday! Sad to say, time just seems to go quicker and quicker. Not just to me in my world but how quickly our kiddos grow up. I just wish for once I could hold back time for a bit longer.....15 going on 22....*sigh*
What a great post and to think my own kid will turn 6 in April, makes me think of him and his changes so much.
Alexis: you should be very proud of your mom, she truly rocks!
She has grown enormously this year. It's amazing to me that they just keep continuing to change SO drastically. She looks so much older now!
I've been checking back every day for the birthday letter. I wish I had such honest & loving letters from my mom to read now. Beautiful!
Happy Birthday Alexis!
in case you are reading this when you are much older, know that you are loved and appreciated, alexis. and also know that your mom is a wonderful woman who has your best interests in mind. always.
happy birthday. you make the world a better place just by being in it!
Happy Birthday, Alexis. Such a cute 6 year old you are!