[Love Letters] My Baby Girl Turns 7

Dear Ayanna,

Your sixth year has flown by. And now, you are seven.

Seven.

I honestly can’t believe it, but I bet if I looked back at all these other letters I wrote to you, I probably said I couldn’t believe you were six, five, four, etc. Time moves on and while I don’t like how fast you’re growing up, I do like the little person you’re growing into.

I was telling your Nana the other day how you came out of the womb such a little lady. You never really acted your biological age. You’ve always seemed older, more mature than you would appear. As such, I’ve tended to treat you like you’re a little older, sometimes forgetting that despite your amazing vocabulary, you are still a little girl.

So what do I wish for you as a seven-year-old?

I would love for you to grow more comfortable in your skin. It is a difficult process, but the earlier you start, the more years you will have as a woman who knows her worth and doesn’t settle for less than she deserves.

 

I would love for you to understand that while little brothers can be annoying, you have one who loves you to the moon and back. Learn to accept each other’s quirks and flaws and grow stronger as siblings. Please. For my sanity’s sake. *smile*

I would love for the two of us to spend more time together. I know I haven’t been the most present mother this year. I’ve told you, “Give me one minute” more times than I can count and I apologize. It’s been a while since our last mother-daughter date and I want to fix that. Let’s set a date.

 

I would love for you to discover something you are passionate about. From what I can see right now, I think it’s art. But who knows? You’re so young and there’s so much potential in your future that I would hate to pigeonhole you.

I love you so much. I can admit that I am struggling a bit with parenting right now, because for so long you depended on me for everything. Now your independence is growing and it’s an adjustment for me. But I promise I will always act in your best interest and sometimes that means allowing you room to fly, even when I’m scared your wings aren’t ready yet.

You are an amazing little girl and I am so proud to be your mother.