Your ninth birthday is just passed and I am approached it with a bit of dread. As much as I want to see who you will become this next year and in your life, I want to hold you longer at this age. I mentally say to myself almost daily about you, "remember this, catch that", over the smallest of details.
Eight has revealed even more of you to me. I feel like I got to know more about who you will be this year than in your previous seven years. You have developed a sense of humor this year, a pride in public speaking, mastered difficult tasks from knitting and tough pieces on the piano to going to golf lessons solo and endless spelling tests. You can do hard things and once you kick in to gear, can really be a quick learner.
You have developed your voice this year. You are still your sweet, loving and naturally good natured self, but you have also learned to stand up for yourself, even against your mom. We have had some battles this year, the kind neither of us like, but some amazing coming to terms and remembering how much we love and rely on each other too.
One of my favorite things about you this year have been your teeth—they are all over the place! They are growing in at all odd angles. You might think that it is strange that I love this about you, but let me explain. You are a beauty girl, inside and out, but let me just focus on the out right now. You have this classic prettiness about you and those teeth are keeping you grounded. You don't seem bothered by your funny teeth at all and I love that you are accepting your pre-braces tween look with such confidence. I know that loving all of your quirky parts is one of the best things a person can do and I love to see you confronting and conquering this early on.
Claire, my little tender hearted first born. I love you completely and wish you the best of years this ninth year of your life.
Love,
Mom
