My sweet baby girl,

Yes, I can and will still call you that. Probably forever. You may be older, taller, and have a lot more to say, but you will always be my baby.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me tell you… You are one remarkable little girl. This last year has been full of a lot of changes for you and you’ve taken it like a champ. You became a big sister of a little sister, and you started back at public school. Every morning you jump up excited for the new day. Not once have you asked to go lay back down or sleep a little longer. I barely whisper that it’s time to wake up and you pop up as perky as ever. I love that about your personality. Sometimes you get a little down, or frustrated but overall you’re a very positive person.

You got baptized a month after your birthday and it was such a special day. Remember? I love how you kept asking if you had sinned yet for a good week or two after. You were so determined to keep that slate clean as long as possible. But I think you understand now that we all make mistakes, what’s important is apologizing and always trying to do better.

I write you little notes in your lunchbox and ever since you told me how much you enjoy them I can’t seem to stop. Even when daddy sends you off to school, if I’ve forgotten to write one I wake up and make one real quick. I’m not much of an artist but you’re helping me become one.

Will work for treats! Another thing I love about you is how excited you get over mini celebrations. BYU Football games, movie nights where I’ll wash your hair, practicing cheer with “Coach.” You’re all about having fun, and others having fun.

You adore your little sister (no surprise there) but you are also still so sweet with your little brother. To me, the sound of you two playing together is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. You probably don’t realize it but he looks up to you so much. And he loves spending time with you. I know your sister will too.

We finally figured out why reading has been such a struggle for you and you are doing better and learning more every day. I imagine in no time you’ll be reading Percy Jackson books all by yourself. But I must admit, it’s been fun to read them aloud and share that enjoyment together.

I love how you tell me the good and bad about your school day. I hope we always have that open relationship and you always feel like you can come to me and tell me anything. I want you to know I’m always here to listen to anything you’d like to tell me.

You are such a big dreamer. Right now you want to be an olympic cheerleader/ movie star/ singer. I think that’s pretty awesome.

I’ve enjoyed watching you grow as a person. It’s so fun to watch your determination for things. You’re working hard to learn how to do a back tuck in cheer, and working hard at school. You’ve made friends in class and rekindled friendships you had in kindergarten.

There is such a beautiful light about you and I want you to continue to fuel that throughout you life. You are going to inspire and uplift so many people, and encourage them to be the best they can be as you work to be the best you can be.

I’m so lucky to be your mom, and I’m so excited to see what’s next in this new year of life!

Love,

Mom

Tags: birthday, letters to Lil' J, lil j, love letter