The 10th Year

Happy birthday, Alice!

Today you are 10!

You have had another huge year.

You joined Taekwondo! I was worried you were going to hate it but you don't. And let me tell you, it has helped you with your confidence so much! 

You mastered your first Starr test! This was huge because you were TERRIFIED. But this silly test doesn't define you and you did great.

You cried on your last day of 3rd grade because change is hard and you are totally a mini-me.

You got to go to summer camp again and tried out Fine Arts camp.

You started 4th grade!

You joined the school's choir and will get to sing at Christmas on Main. 

You ran for Class President. Nicholas won but you handled the loss well. He assigned you the Secretary of Health position which translates to lunch clean up. You are less than thrilled with this title. This is how that conversation went...

You, huffy and scandalized, "MOM! Guess what job Nicholas gave me!"
Me "what?"
You, highly dramatic and extremely offended, "TRASH! He gave me TRASH!"

And I laughed because your delivery is always perfection.

Show them who THE BEST Secretary of Health is, little bitty!! You. Show. Them.

Watching you develop a group of friends has been precious. You spend a lot of time on Facebook Messenger playing games and visiting with them.

We text now. It's hilarious.

You got your ears pierced! You were terrified but committed. And now you have some sparkly hearts in your ears. I didn't realize how grown up they would make you look. I am still adjusting. 

This has also been a year of a lot of change. 

We lost Atticus and that was devastating. He was your very first furry friend and the house still feels empty. 

There has been some changes at home and we've asked you to adjust to a lot. We've had construction and people in and out for months. Right now our home feels really unsettled and not quite ours, but you have handled it well and have been really helpful. We know this is heavy. We've had lots of talks about who is here to support any big feelings you are feeling. 

We know there will be more changes coming and we're attempting to prepare you for those. The thought of growing up is distasteful and you prefer to live in denial. I get it, kid. I get it. 

As you start this next year, I want you to know:
1. You are so unbelievably loved.
2. There is nothing you can do to change that.
3. Your village is large and loud and committed. 

4. We are always proud of you.

Madam Secretary, we wish you the BEST YEAR YET.

We love you so very much,

MommyDaddy (this isn't a typo)