My sweet Esmee Star.
My little middle who is now not so little anymore. You have been counting down the days until you turn 9, and now it’s here. What an amazing year we had with you at 8. Here are a few of the things that stand out from this incredible last year…
You decided you wanted to give rock climbing a try. We signed you up for classes and you quickly took to it and scaled the tallest wall within your first few classes. You have no fear! I can barely watch you climb without shaking in my boots and you seem to become a real life spider girl and naturally and gracefully make your way to the top. You put a lot of thought and care into your foot and hand placements and you make it look so easy. You climbed Smith Rock in Bend, Oregon while we were on Spring Break and made me the proudest (and most nervous) Mama when you reached the top! It’s so fun to watch you do something that I would never have the courage to do. You try things that are not on most peoples radars. Such a cool claim, Girl!
Third grade has been a wonderful year for you. You love both your teachers, Ms. Dethloff and Ms. Obst. You have made new friendships and kept your loyal crew of friends you’ve had since Kindergarten. You are a leader in every sense of the wor....you lead by example and all of your peers look up to you. Your teachers rely on you when they need help bringing the class to order or getting a project done. You take the reigns and take control. You help the kids that don't get as much attention and need it the most. People feel confident in your presence. It’s an honor to walk the halls with you because I see how you put smiles on peoples faces and everyone says hi to you.
You have a laugh that gets better with age. We always say you ‘get stuck laughing.’ You actually laugh so hard, your face gets stuck in the laugh and it makes us all laugh uncontrollably as well. We’ve tried to capture it in a photo or video but it doesn’t do it justice…it’s something that has to be experienced in person, in the moment!
You are the best sister! You and Millie are so close….but what I really have loved watching this past year is your friendship with Ewan growing so strong. The two of you are inseparable. It hasn’t always been like this. He was kind of a buggar to you the last few years. But as of this last year, he WORSHIPS you! He wants to be right next to you at all times. He loves doing things with you and requests your presence every chance he gets. He loves building legos with you and jumping on the trampoline, especially! And the rest of us are no substitute. It’s YOU or no one! Your patience with him is so sweet and I cherish watching it.
You’ve shown more independence and like spending time in your room doing crafts and reading books. Your best friends are Madison, Frances, Brooklyn, Avery and Olive. You love getting steps on your Fit Bit and have even made it a competition with me…and I love that! You always try new foods and you earned a spot in the school play…Alice in Wonderland. You are a Party Guest and Sea Creature and we can’t wait to see you perform!
You are kind and caring and you speak out when something isn’t right. You own your mistakes and tell me when you’ve been dishonest. You admit your faults and take ownership. You add so much value to our lives, Esmee and my heart swells being your Mama. I am the luckiest person in the world that I get to celebrate what an amazing human you are each year…..and really, every day! Thank you for being you. Happy birthday, My Beautiful Daughter. I can't imagine life without you.
I love you so very much! xx
Mom
(it's apple juice, i promise! )
that laugh!
fearless!
