Dear Sweet Pea: Five More Things That I Love About You
Dear Sweet Pea,
In last week’s birthday letter, I listed a few things that I love about you. But you’re so remarkable, I couldn’t just stop there. And after watching you transition from one to two, and seeing more of your personality come out, I discovered even more qualities that make me proud to call you my daughter.
So, here are five more things that I love about you. Some I listed towards the end of my last letter, and some I just thought of. But all make you a well-rounded toddler that will one day grow into a fierce and unstoppable young woman who will one day change the world.
Your confidence - Baby girl, you have a level of confidence that I didn’t discover in myself until I was well into adulthood. You’re bold. You’re fearless. You’re so sure of who you are at just two years old. You walk with a purpose and to the beat of your own drum. And, you know who you are and that your voice is powerful. I often wonder what path this confidence will take you. But know that as you grow more and more into your power, I will always nurture your confidence and encourage you to go as big and as hard as your sweet spirit will allow you.
Your boundaries - With you, no truly means, no. You have had amazing boundaries from the day you were born. From only wanting to be held a certain way, to removing my hand when you didn’t want me patting you on the back, to you pushing us away or turning your head, letting us know when you’ve had enough. You know exactly what you want, when you want it, and how you want it. There’s no second-guessing or backtracking with you, and I absolutely love it. It is my prayer that you always maintain these same kinds of boundaries with yourself and with others, and that you don’t allow outside influences to cause you to change them.
How well you adapt to change - You know, before you started school, people kept telling me that you would have a hard time. They said that you would be sad, or withdrawn, and that you wouldn’t like it for the first couple of weeks. But I immediately shut them down. One, because I won’t allow anyone to speak that or any other form of negativity over you. And two, because I know you and how well you take to new environments. And I was right. When your dad and I picked you up, everyone raved about how well you adapted on your first day. How you talked to everyone, sang, and interacted with the teachers and your classmates. By the end of the week, they all asked what I had done to prepare you for school. And I simply told them, that’s just how you are. Change is not scary for you. In fact, you thrive in it. You own every single room you enter and you make sure that everyone else knows it, too. I admire that so much about you, my sweet.
How you always know what to do - From letting your hugs linger a little longer, to yelling, “I LOVE YOU,” to reminding me that I’m doing a good job, you always know what I need. I remember one time you slept in the bed with me, and when you woke up, the first thing that came out of your mouth was, “Good job, Baby.” It’s as if you knew that I needed reassurance at that moment. Or more recently, as I was conquering my fear of driving and you were in the backseat excitedly saying, “Mommy’s driving! Mommy’s driving!” You didn’t know how terrified I was, but your cheers gave me the boost that I needed to keep going. You have a gift of knowing when a person needs some extra love or comfort or encouragement, and offering it unprompted and unprovoked. You embody the Golden Rule that is, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” And I hope you continue to treat others with that same kindness as you grow.
You saved me - Believe it or not, Sweet Pea, you have changed me in so many ways. Now, I’m not going to go too much into my life before you because you’re too young for all that. But you have settled me. You’ve given me courage. You’ve given me direction. You push me to challenge myself. You’ve reminded me what it means to have faith, to give myself grace, to find my joy, to be proud of myself, to embrace my imperfections, and that I am worthy. I may have been put on this earth to be your mother, but you were certainly put on this earth to make me a better person. You came at the right time and I thank you for choosing me.
There, that makes five more things that I love about you. And, to once again take a page from your favorite book, Little Pookie, I have one more for you:
Your discernment - Now, I know I said you adapt well to change. And you do. But you are also very observant and can read a room like no other. And if the energy isn’t right, you’re not with it. That level of discernment will take you very far in life and will prevent you from being taken advantage of, getting your heart broken, and getting out of many potentially dangerous situations. And I thank God for blessing you with that skill so early on.
I love you to the moon and back, Sweet Pea. You are my purpose, my unexpected blessing, and my coolest creation. What I did to be blessed with a daughter like you, I’ll never know. But I’m forever grateful.
With Love,
Mommy