Dear Olivia Marie,
Happy 6th Birthday!!
This time 6 years ago, we were just meeting. I can remember
some things about that night….mostly how well my epidural worked and how sweet
your daddy was during the whole process of ushering you into the world. I was
so excited to hear your cry and look at your skinny little legs, bald head, and
big feet….in true Bradley fashion. Mostly though, the first few days are a blur.
Since then, time has gone by faster each year it seems. So,
I want to stop this moment in time and jot down a few things about the newly 6-year-old
you….
You are a perfectionist and a control freak, but sadly not in
the ways that keep the house tidy. Only in ways that make leaving the house on
time in the mornings a miracle and remind me of myself quite often.
The baby talk and mispronunciations are all but gone. Now
you say things like “I’ll consider your suggestion.” and “I just don’t feel
like myself.” You also tell me that I’m the best mom in the world, unless you
don’t get your way- then I’m the worst one. MVP of both categories works for
me, I guess.
You love kindergarten. This has been the biggest blessing. I
was afraid that your anxious nature would make school tough, but you’ve stepped
up and made school your safe place. You love your teacher and have made lots of
sweet friends. One boy proposed to you the second week of school! You didn’t
want to let him down so you told him that you’d think about it- even though you
“really won’t say yes.” I provided you with strong feminist philosophy on how
it’s not your job as a girl to make the boy feel ok at the expense of your
authentic feelings, but you just shrugged after my impassioned speech. We’ll
loop back on this topic another time.
Physical touch is your love language. It takes 10 minutes
and multiple group hugs before you’ll leave school at the end of each day. You
prefer to be as close as possible to us and love snuggles and back rubs before
bed. The other day at a family event, I was going to do my standard sneak out but
as we got close to the door you said, “But we haven’t given everyone a hug
goodbye yet.”
We are often entertained by your elaborate make-believe storylines
and living room musical performances. When asked if you’d like to take dance or
music lessons, you told us no, because you are already good enough at it all.
I hope you remain confident and sweet as you grow. Your life
has blessed us in ways that words cannot quite capture accurately. We love you
so much. But if you could start sleeping through the night before you turn 7,
that would be super.
Love,
Mommy
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