Tag: strong

On your 5th birthday

carinaos123

Oh, sweet girl!

Yesterday I was anxiously awaiting your arrival. Yesterday we welcomed you into this world. Yesterday I held you on my chest and nursed you for the first time. I sniffed your head and breathed in your sweet newborn smell as you curled yourself perfectly into my body. Yesterday I held you while you slept and watched as your fingers curled around mine. Yesterday I willed time to slow down just slightly, or at least, for me to always remember just how tiny and new you were. To never forget what it felt like to have your little body resting so peacefully on mine. 

Today, I wake up to a five-year-old and I wonder where the time went. I blinked, my eyes fluttering shut for just a moment, and the baby I awaited so anxiously has transformed into an incredible tiny human. No matter how much I sought to slow down time and savor every moment, the time has passed.

Sweet girl, on your fifth birthday, I can’t help but be amazed at all of the glorious changes that have taken place in your lifetime. 

You bring sunshine, love, and laughter wherever you go. Your laugh, sass and sense of humor light up the room. You draw people of all ages to you and have had that quality since the day you were born. You feel every emotion with such intensity. Although I believe part of that comes with your age, I am sure that it is also a part of you that runs so deep, it threatens to break you in two. You feel everything right to your core, and although I worry for you at times, I know that you will do incredible things. 

I know that you will stand up for those around you because you feel their pain with every fiber of your heart.

I know that you will seek justice because you feel the suffering of injustice with every ounce of your being.

I know that you will value yourself and your strength because you feel the power that emanates from every cell of your body.

I know that you will maintain your sense of humor and magic because you thrive in every way when you can bring a smile to others. 

I know that you will be true to yourself. 

I know that no matter what life brings you, you will be okay. I know that even if you stumble, you won’t fall. 

I can’t help but be struck by how much changes in the first five years of life. From a completely dependent newborn to a more independent, strong, intelligent, creative child.

SO. MANY. FIRSTS. 

As you prepare for kindergarten and diligently practice your numbers and letters, I can’t help but see that brand new baby I brought home from the hospital. That sweet tender newborn who’s troubles melted away as you laid on my chest. I only hope, that my arms can continue to bring you comfort as you grow. 

Although life’s struggles won’t always be able to be solved quite as easily, I will savor the moments when they can. When a hug makes the nerves dissipate and climbing into bed for cuddles makes the monsters go away. 

I don’t know when the last night will be when you want a bedtime story and song before bed. I don’t know when the last morning will be when I wake to your sleepy face on the pillow next to mine. I don’t know when the last day will be when you ask me to do an art project or have a dance party.  

But I do know it will come too soon. 

I know that no matter how much I will time to slow down, no matter how much I try to savor and remember every detail, time will pass. 

I know that I will blink, my eyes fluttering shut for just a moment and when I open them you will be 10….then 20…then 30. 

Before I know it you will be off to college. Off on your own. Living your dreams. Marrying and having children if that’s what you want. 

So baby girl, on your 5th birthday, I want you to know just how incredible you are. 

Your strength. Your curiosity. Your determination. Your perseverance. Your intelligence. Your worth. Your creativity. 

You. 

Be true to yourself and you will never go wrong. 

We will always be in your corner and we will always love you. 

You will always be my sunshine. 

A Letter To My Tween Daughter

carinaos123

As I watch you navigate this new stage I can’t help but notice just how tricky it is.

I watch as you stare into your teen years and you watch your childhood start to fade. All the while still being that silly, awkward child I love.

I’m amazed every day at the person you are becoming. Your hopes and dreams. Your friendships. Your crushes. Your passions and fears.

I pray and hope that you see your value the way I do. That you always stay true to yourself and follow your heart.

I pray that you strive to be the best version of yourself but that you help to pick up others along the way.

Shatter those glass ceilings but don’t forget to empower others along the way. Success is nothing if you leave a wake of destruction in your path.

Never be afraid to dance and soak in life’s small moments. One day you will look back and realize they are in fact the moments you treasure the most.

Never be too shy to laugh. Be silly. Enjoy Life. Don’t let others’ opinions stop you from enjoying yourself and bringing light and laughter to this world.  

Never be afraid to show your brilliance. I don’t just mean the beauty that shines with intensity inside and out but also the exuberance of your mind.   Let your brain shine. Let your ideas empower change.

Never be afraid to show how smart you are…but never be cocky.

Never be afraid to ask questions and learn new things. Remember that everyone you meet can teach you something…recognize their worth the same way you recognize your own.

Never stop chasing your dreams. Never be afraid to fail. Challenges do not equal failure. Persevere and learn from every stumble…the hardest paths will make you the strongest and teach you the greatest lessons.

Be strong. Know you are strong and don’t be afraid to show that strength to the world. If someone can’t handle it, they don’t deserve all that you are.

The next few years will be filled with challenges, confusion, tears, joy, heartache, love, laughter, memories and magic. Puberty will hit hard. Friendships will change. Emotions will run high. Feelings will be hurt and tears will be shed. Remember who your tribe is. Remember who your supporters are. Don’t push away the people who love you and cherish you. Demand that level of respect and treatment from everyone. Don’t strive to impress others….be you and the world will be in awe the way I always have been.

It’s okay be frustrated and confused. It’s okay to be mad. Scream, cry, break something if you must. Collapse on the floor and dive into a container of ice cream. Do what you need to do and let your emotions out but remember not to stay there. You are far too valuable to stay on the floor. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and figure it out. You’ve got this!

My daughter, I can’t tell you life will be easy. I can’t tell you I will always have the answers and solutions you seek. I can’t even tell you that you will come out unscathed.

What I can promise is far greater….

I can promise I will always be there. I can promise to help you learn from your mistakes and come out wiser and stronger.

I can promise to be your shoulder to cry on and your sounding board…without an ounce of judgment.

I can promise that although these phases feel like they will last forever…they won’t.

I can promise that I will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.

I can promise to stand by your side no matter your mistakes.

I can promise to love you, no matter your choices.

And I can promise to always know when and pampering is needed and to be there with the necessary support to make the day better. Remember you aren’t facing this alone. Together we can get through anything.