Dear Lila,
A few weeks ago you officially turned six. I can’t believe how much you’re growing up right before my eyes. You are abeautiful little girl inside and out.
For your birthday we give you the option to do a party or an experience and for two years now you’ve chosen an experience (which I secretly love).
We spent the weekend of your birthday, just you, me and daddy, in Chicago. We took you to all our favorite places from when we lived there like Pizanos Pizza, the Shedd Aquarium and the Water Tower Place. We spent a special lunch at the American Girl Doll store and swam at the hotel. You were in heaven!
Daddy and I talked after the trip and both said how much we enjoyed spending time with you. You’ve hit an age where we can take you anywhere without any worries. We love seeing the world through your eyes and talking with you about all sorts of things like whether Santa is real or not (you’re on the fence), how you like your new house (you like your bedroom, but miss your neighbors) and who your best friends are at school (your cousins are still tops).
I also told daddy that I think I am going to really enjoy parenting slightly older kids (not that the young years aren’t sweet of course). I just love how inquisitive you are and how we can experience life together. I think six is going to be an amazing year for you.
You are thriving in Kindergarten. Your teacher said you are a “joy to have in class” and that you are friends with pretty much everyone. You come home every day from school happy and seem to really enjoy learning. You are especially interested in learning to read so you can stay up in bed reading at night.
This year you’ve also gotten more into sports and other extra curricular activities. In addition to golf, swim team and acting, you tried cross country and did so well! You placed as high as 15th out of 170 kids and I got a glimpse of our future as bleacher parents. :) You also have gotten into baton twirling and walked in your first parade this past weekend. I have a feeling you will excel in whatever activity you choose to do.
You’ve become such a sweet big sister to your little brothers. They idolize you! When you’re at school they ask where you are and when you’re home they beg you to “chase me Yaya!” I’ve been so impressed with how sweet and patient you are with them. And often I catch you helping them navigate conflict over toys and sharing. They are lucky to have you as a big sister.
At home your favorite things to play usually involve legos or art supplies. You also can never get enough of daddy chasing and tickling you. In the evenings before bed you will organize your brother’s to do a “parade” around the kitchen. We put on marching band music and you all throw pillows up in the air as if they were batons.
We all love your playful, creative spirit, Lila. You make our family so fun and lively. Watching you grow up is one of the great joys of my life. I know how special you are and can’t wait to see all that you become. I hope you always stay as happy and silly as you are now at six.
Love always,
Mommy