Sara is 9

If you've known us for some time, you know that I write very sappy posts on the kiddos birthdays.  I always view these days as a reflection of our journeys together and every year that we celebrate is another year of memories, love and experiences.

This year will be a little different.  Oh, I still be sappy.  Always with the sappiness.  But, instead of reviewing milestones or talking about favorite things, I'm going to write a letter to each birthday kid.  I figured I'd change it up since they read this blog now (mental note: post more) so I'd like to give them something personal for them to read.

So, here goes...

Dear Sara,

Hi baby girl.  It's June 10, 2020 and you are 9 years old.  I tried to convince you that your birthday was cancelled due to coronavirus but you didn't believe me.  You've been counting down to this day for months ("Alexa, how many more days until June 10?") and you are just so excited for your birthday.  I hope you always have such excitement for things in life.

This has been a crazy couple of months.  I can't imagine how difficult it has been for you to be taken from your school environment so abruptly and have your school year...and your life...upended.  It hasn't been easy, but you've made it work.  I'm so proud of your resiliency and your desire to do well. 

You have grown so much this year.  You've gotten so tall and your baby face has disappeared even more.  Your sense of humor is awesome and you'e gotten so funny!  You are obsessed with weird ASMR videos on YouTube and that Collins Key kid (he gives me such a headache.) Fuller House is your favorite show EVER.   BTS owns your heart and it's nice to have something that we can enjoy together.  I can't wait for our concerts to be rescheduled so we can sing, dance and scream together!

You are such a loving person, Sass.  (Oh, yes...you are still 'Sass' to many.  I love that the nickname that I gave you at 9 months old is still the name you go by.)  You are compassionate and caring towards everyone.  You especially have such a soft spot for animals.  You love big with your whole heart and you aren't shy with showing it.  The snuggles and the hugs and kisses that I get on a daily basis are some of my favorite things.  You have learned how to express yourself a lot more.  That may sound like a weird thing to say, but, instead of getting frustrated or upset and bursting into tears (I'm also guilty of this, so don't feel bad) you now have the vocabulary and the confidence to verbalize why you are upset.  That shows growth and maturity and I'm so impressed by it.

You are so loved by everyone who knows you.  I hope you always realize that.  You are funny, and gorgeous, smart and charming.  You are the exact kid I asked for and I'm so glad I get to say you are ours.

Sassy.  Sass.  Sa.  SassyGrace.  Sassafrass.  Sara.  Thank you for everything you bring to this family.  The love.  The laughs.  The hugs.  The happiness.  You are my 'grace' and have been since before you were born.  I can't wait to see what the next years have in store for you, my love. 

I love you today and every day, always and forever.
Love,
Mommy

And, as always, the song I dedicate to all of my babies...

Then

Now