Dear not so Lil’ J,

I’ve heard people call the 9th birthday “halfway to adulthood” Honestly the thought makes me shudder. I can’t believe I’m halfway through you living under my roof (though I don’t think I’ll mind if you decide to stay a bit longer). But let’s not talk about that right now. Let me tell you how fun your 9th year of life has been, and while doing that, share 9 things I love about you.

1. How excited you get for a brand new day

“This is the plan for today… *sigh*” Is how you like to start a day, with a plan for what we’re going to do and all of the fun you’d like to have. You love making fun plans, and it’s fun watching you execute it.

2. Your hard work

I’ve watched you grow a lot this past year in learning responsibility, and hard work. You’ve set goals and worked hard to achieve them in cheerleading and in school. We all get a little lax sometimes, but once you set your mind to something, you go for it and work really hard.

3. How you love to snuggle

I’m pretty sure if you were in a snuggling contest you’d win. You love hugs, holding hands, and all kinds of affection. Sometimes I get a little over-snuggled but deep down I really treasure it and I hope you keep it up.

4. Your sense of humor

I don’t know when it happened but you seem to be getting funnier by the day. You listen to everything your dad and I discuss, and are really good about putting things together. The combination makes for some really funny surprises that come out of your mouth. I really need to start writing these down more. For instance you overheard me talking about an irresponsible babysitter. Then later when your dad was looking for the remote you said “If I was an irresponsible babysitter where would I put the remote?” Your dad had to try very hard not to let you see him laughing.

5. The way you notice editing in movies

You’re like a little sponge, absorbing so much of what you see and hear. And you’re so perceptive. You’ve caught on to different transitions and editing techniques that I’ve shown you, and you point them out in videos and movies we watch. Now I just need to get you to help me edit more!

6. Your huge smile is the same now as it was when you were a toddler

You’ve loved taking photos since you were just a baby. You still do. And when I look at a couple of photos side by side I can see how your facial expressions haven’t changed much.

7. You are so helpful

Not only are you helpful but you relish in it. You like making me breakfast in bed. You’re happy to bring me water, or a snack while I’m taking a bath. And you love helping out with your baby sister. I’m so glad that your younger siblings have you to look up to.

8. Your love of Disney

“Do you want to talk about Disney?” It’s a phrase you’ve started saying a lot and it cracks me up. It’s like you know my weakness. Same with your dad when you bring up talking about Rocky. You forge interests in things that we like knowing that we’ll cave and engage in a conversation or movie-watching whenever you want. It’s pretty smart when you think about it. But I do love that my love of Disney has rubbed off on you so beautifully.

9. That you’re still as sweet and adorable as ever

I thought for sure your 8th birthday was the last time you’d request a new build a bear toy. But here we are, with yet another added to your collection (even though I’m trying to enforce a strict no stuffed-animals policy). You still held my hand as you walked in for your first day of school.

You run out of cheer practice for water and a quick hug and kiss before you run back in. I love that you still like to be around me, even around your friends. And I selfishly hope that never ends.

I love that you are my daughter. A bright bit of sunshine in our home. Happy belated birthday sweet baby J. I hope this next year of life is your best one yet!

Love,

Mom

Tags: birthday, daughter, family, lil j, love letter