You're TEN!!!

My dearest Millie.  I’ve been so excited for this day to come but also dreading it in my heart.  You turn double digits and it is such a huge milestone for all of us, but at the same time it makes me realize just how fast the days are floating by.  You see, when you love someone so incredibly much that you feel it so deep in your soul, all you want to do is freeze time and make this love and this life last forever.  I love you so incredibly much, Millie and if I could stop time, I would.  But I see what a gift you have to give to the world and what an incredible young lady you’re becoming and realize it would be selfish of me to not let you spread your magic far and wide.   Today you are 10, Millie Beans….and here are a few things we loved about this last year with you…

You are the worlds greatest athlete….from back flips to swimming to soccer and skateboarding…snowboarding, basketball, baseball, tennis and golf.  There is not a sport you can’t handle.  You seem to nail everything you try….like a champ.  You tried out for Celtic Soccer with 250 other girls your age.  The competition was fierce and you worried you might not make the team.  But after 2 days of intense soccer and showmanship, you made the team!  You worked your tail off and proved that you were meant to have a spot on that roster.  

You love performing.  You cartwheel throughout the house, at times to my disdain.  At any given moment you are yodeling, rapping, beat boxing, or singing at the top of your lungs.  As for dance moves, there is no shortage.  You Dab and you Floss.  You make up cheers and you break dance.  You'll challenge anyone to a dance off.  You love talking in foreign accents and dressing up in costumes.  Be it my wigs or high heels, your imagination knows no limits.  Your love of all things drama and your creativity are so fun to watch.  

You are a leader and lead by example.  You make sure no one is in the outer circle.  I mean this physically and literally.  I've seen you open up a group of girls huddled together when you notice another girl hanging on the outskirts, to make sure she feels included.  I smile big when I am witness to this.  You talk to everyone at school and engage them, not just those you're closest with.  You set such a positive example of inclusion, which as we've learned in 4th grade, is no easy feat.   

Your sense of injustice in the world is real and you notice suffering and want to change it.  You smile and say hi to homeless people.  You positively correct your friends when they use the wrong terms for people with disabilities.  You give away your perfectly good toys before you've outgrown them because you think 'someone else needs it more than i do.'  

You continue to be the most awesome, protective, goofy big sister to Esmee and Ewan.  They adore you as much as we do! 

Our proudest moment was at the end of 4th grade when you received the Seymour Kaplan Humanitarian award.  An award given to a select few based on their efforts to be compassionate, kind and caring members of our community, and who demonstrate the highest standards of citizenship.  This is a big deal, Millie. As your principal, Julie Cox, said before handing out the award...'this is the most honorable award one can receive in their lifetime.'   A true honor that you should be so proud of...we sure are.  

Being your mama is truly the greatest gift, my Sweet Millie.  Seeing you grow into this incredible human being is beyond my wildest dreams.  You inspire us all and we love you so much.  

Happy birthday to you, my love.  

xx

Mom