Dearest Kinley,
My little ray of sunshine! Today you are seven…Lucky 7! What a fantastic age this is.
I remember feeling intimidated by age seven because it sounded old and entering into the “too cool” years. Thankfully, I was so wrong because I can see where this is going to be one of the most magical ages of childhood.
You can take care of yourself, read a bit, talk about current events, and yet you still need me to hold your hand when you are nervous. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year, and I look forward to treasuring each moment with you.
As I type this, I can hear you singing hymns in your room {when you’re supposed to be sleeping}. You are always singing and I adore that about you. On any given day, you can also be found catching frogs or bugs, picking up trash to “help the earth,” creating art, or playing baby dolls with your best friends on our front porch.
You love soccer, ghost stories, and collecting rocks. While you enjoy electronics, you’re more likely to be found outside enjoying nature.
You are the epitome of cool for a 7-year-old…in my humble opinion 😉
Your name means fair warrior, and it’s such a fitting description of the amazing girl you have become. You are a beauty on the outside, but what’s even more stunning is your heart and brain.
The past year, elementary school has changed you. You are more confident and more willing to step out of your comfort zone. You are well-liked by your peers and I’m constantly amazed with what a sweet kid you are. When kids have picked on you, you’ve let it go when it wasn’t worth it, and stood your ground when it made sense. You’ve stood up for your sister too, and for that, I am SO grateful. Never hesitate to stand up for others.
But the biggest characteristic that has taken off this year is your ability to LISTEN. Being a quieter kid, you tend to soak up every.single.thing. — and call daddy and I out if we’re discussing something you’re not supposed to hear. You’ve really stepped up your game and are asking some deep and interesting questions about everything from the tooth fairy and Santa to why some people are homeless.
We usually lie in your bed at night and you ask daddy or I 100 questions about things you’ve observed during the day. At times, I don’t feel like I have a great answer, but it gives me more joy than you can imagine to hear how the wheels turn in your brain.
Some nights I wish I could talk to you all night like a couple of girlfriends. Alas, bed time consistency and the “I’m your mother, not your friend,” mantra plays in my mind. Soon enough, sweetie. I hope you’ll always be down for our chats, and you’ll always know I am here should you have any questions.
From you, I have learned to stop and enjoy nature, have more understanding with different personalities, and that sometimes it’s just best to be quiet and observe. I am a better person for having you.
Happy Birthday to my sweetie pie, Kinny-Ree. Wishing you a million days ahead that reflect the possibilities you have in your heart. Keep dreaming big, catching frogs, and holding on to your contagious passion for life and all things in it.
Love you to the moon and back, times infinity.
Kisses,
Mama
Reflecting back:
- Kinley’s Sixth Birthday Letter
- Kinley’s Fifth Birthday Letter
- Kinley’s Fourth Birthday Letter
- Kinley’s Third Birthday Letter
- Kinley’s Second Birthday Letter
- Kinley’s First Birthday Letter
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