To My Dearest Darling Madeline,
You are SEVEN! You have grown up so much in the past year. You have lost a ton of teeth, you get taller by the day. Every time I look at you, you seem to grow in front of my eyes. You really are no longer my tiny, little peanut. The other night, I picked you up off the couch and carried you to bed. I looked at your sweet little face, stole 10 kisses from you and then almost cried when I realized how long your legs were.
This year you went to Kindergarten, you started at a new school and met a bunch of new kids. I couldn't be more proud of how you handled this milestone. You pushed yourself to do the best you could every day. You became more and more comfortable and let your silly side show. You made friends and learned so much. You are a thinker, you always have been. Now that you are beginning to learn more at school and home, I can see your little mind working even harder to understand the world around you. You seem to really enjoy math, which makes me happy because I always loved math too. I love sitting with you and helping you do your math homework and watching you figure out all the problems with ease. I am so proud of you and know that you will do great in first grade even if you aren't with your sister again. I know that you will quickly find your confidence and do amazing things.
One thing I completely love about you, is that you like to talk about things. You like to sit with me and talk about the things that are bothering you, or the things that happened at school. Sometimes I have a hard time explaining things to you when you have questions, but I love that you want to understand so much. I really hope that you will always come to me and talk to me like that.
I also love that you are completely aware when you have had enough. You love your quiet time and seem to know just when you need it. Life can be overwhelming at times and you are able to take a break from things and come back when you are ready.
You and Emma still have a magical relationship. I love watching you two play and laugh. Making up new games or playing old games, you two can have fun together anywhere. You have also been able to include Ben in your games now that he is a bit older. I love the way you treat him, teach him and love him. He has a special bond with you and I hope that never changes. Thank you for loving him and taking care of him. You are a great sister to both Ben and Emma.
No matter how much you grow this year, I hope you will still crawl on my lap when you are tired or need a moment.
I love you with all my heart.
Mommy
To My Dearest Darling Emma,
STOP Growing!!! I can't believe how much you have grown this year physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. What a year you have had. You are such a fun spunky little girl. Some days I look at you and think you could be ten. You handle yourself so well in all situations. You are confident and comfortable with every choice you make. You know what you like and how you like it. Even if it means the same clothes everyday or your hair in a pony tale.
This year you went to kindergarten. You were at a new school with a lot of new kids. You walked in there and immediately made friends and began talking to everyone. You are very easy going, talkative and confident. You go with the flow and follow directions when needed. You really seemed to enjoy kindergarten both the for learning and for socializing. You learned so much this year. Watching you learn to read and understand the math was exciting for me. I can't wait to see how much you learn in first grade.
You have also become quite the budding artist this year. I love watching you sit for hours creating pictures and drawing things. You pay such great attention to detail. And really seem to enjoy it. It is your own little way of taking a break from other things and having some quiet time.
You also have a great imagination. You are able to make up a game or pretend play with Madi anytime, anywhere,. You two play so well together when you make up your little games, and you do a great job teaching your brother how to play along as well. All of the pretend play you and Madi do is really helping Ben develop a great imagination. You have also developed a great relationship with him. He loves it when you help him, and you do a great job helping me with him. Thank you, I appreciate how helpful you are.
I love your sporty little attitude and look. I love that you are willing and excited to try any sport or play any game. I can't wait to see what you try this year and how much you enjoy it.
I love you with all my heart!
Mommy
