To My Daughter on Her 6th Birthday

My dearest Kinley,

Today you are SIX. Where has time gone?! Where is my chubby cheeked toddler?! Some days I’m bitter with how fast time goes, but then again, it has been such a pleasure watching you grow that I can’t help but look forward to what’s ahead.

I think this age is notoriously a favorite among parents for great reason. Being able to put on your own shoes, wipe yourself, and buckle yourself in, are three solid reasons. Age 6 also means I have a little buddy that still adores me and wants cuddles, but doesn’t need me quite as much as you did in the past.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned this year as your mother is to just let you be YOU and not what I think you should be.

Because there is only one Kinley, and she is fabulous at blazing her own trail.

This is what turning 6 means to you:

Six is being an amazing sibling.

You are incredible with your siblings, and I thank God every day for your patience and demeanor. Your sister and brother ADORE you, and have missed you tons as you take on kindergarten this year.

My heart melted into a puddle the night I overheard you say to Karina, “I will sing to you like you’re my baby. Mama always says we’ll always be her baby, and you will always be my baby sister.”

I pray you are always as close as you are now.

Six is having a BIG heart.

You warm our hearts when you think of others. You know nothing of prejudice and bigotry, instead tackling the world with an open heart. You are sensitive, and it’s one of your greatest strengths.

I’ll never forget how concerned you were when I told you why you couldn’t bring snacks with peanut butter to school due to allergies. Instead of protesting, your brain immediately went to the kids and how scary that must be for them. I only wish adults could have that mentality!

This year you also donated 10″ of hair to Wigs 4 Kids after meeting a friend who can’t grow hair. This year you hope to do it again. I hope you keep compassion in your heart as you learn and grow.

Six is loving music.

Your favorite subject at school is music and you love singing and performing for our family. In fact, this year you’ve proclaimed you want to be a singer and write your own music. I want to let you know that you can be anything you want, and I hope you push yourself to get on that stage one day because you already have an awesome voice. {Secretly, I hope you find your tribe with music like I did!}

Six is having a random passion…Like newborn babies.

You are obsessed with newborn babies. I’m pretty confident you could care for one just based on the amount of YouTube videos you’ve watched about them.

I’ll never forget when you said “It seems like a lot of moms have babies in their bellies. Do you think they asked for them for Christmas?”

I love your thoughts and keen observations about life. You are a thinker, which is an awesome quality.

And should you choose to be a mother some day, I have no doubt you’ll be a great one.

Six is loving to learn…and loving potty humor.

The best part about this phase of your life is your ability to soak in information. You remember everything, even things I forget. You love reading and learning about rocks, animals, babies, history, and more.

You’re obsessed with fun facts, and share them with anyone who will listen…Your current favorite is that the average person farts 14 times each day. I mean, it is kind of fascinating I suppose. 😉

I hope you always have a passion for learning.

Six is finally eating adult foods.

Maybe that heading is a stretch. But this year has brought you a love for sandwiches {from your daddy} and the Chinese buffet {me}. I will take it! Though I am not sure why you won’t eat mac n’ cheese or chicken nuggets, I am relieved you have a more open mind to trying new things.

Six is letting go, but waiting in the wings.

With this year, we’ve moved to play with friends without parents involved. We’ve pushed you out of your comfort zone, and you’ve thrived despite your hesitations. Keep pushing yourself, and I will continue to respect your boundaries. You know I am here for the times you need a hand to hold or a boo-boo to kiss.

I’m so proud of the little gal you are becoming and I can’t wait to continue watching you blaze a trail, my love.

Have an amazing 6th birthday and an awesome year.

Love you to the moon and back, times infinity,

Kisses,

Mom