To My Daughter On Her Eighth Birthday {Kinley}

My dearest Kinley,

Oh goodness. Just thinking about writing this has given me both the warm fuzzies and the choked up feeling. How can you be getting so big?

Today you are EIGHT. Eight! Eight is great, right?! {You know you “love” my jokes 😉 / inside joke}

First, I just want to say you are blooming into the coolest little lady ever. I’m sure part of me saying that is because I am your mom, but part knows it just has to be true. You are such an integral part of our family, and there isn’t a day that goes by without me feeling SO thankful my life is blessed by you.

Like me, you have a soft spot for people and their stories, endless optimism, and curiosity. I thought I was a kid who loved learning, but I think you have me beat. I’m thankful Siri can help us when we have questions because I promise to NEVER grow sick of your questions. Ask away, and we will figure things out together.

For the past few years you have said you want to be a scientist when you grow up. Your love of all things science, math, nature, and all creatures has been SO consistent in your life. You could care less about TV or screen time; you’d much prefer to play outside. This year, we’ve learned a ton about birds, bugs, animals, planets, and places around the world. You never want to quit learning. Funny enough, your bookshelf is so full of non-fiction books, it broke – ha! Keep up your passion for learning and reading — both will take you far in life.

A few things that have been new to your personality this year: You notice brands on clothing, and enjoy when I buy you Under Armor, Nike, Adidas, etc. Athletic clothing is your jam, which is totally cool by me. It’s comfy – I get it! Thankfully you aren’t picky. Please keep that up and I’ll do my best to honor your requests 😉

You’ve also fallen victim to the squishy toy craze, which is a trend among you kids. I didn’t even know there was a difference in a regular stress ball versus a “slow-rising” squishie toy until this year, so thanks for that knowledge. You are right — they do feel quite nice to squeeze, though I am not a fan of how costly they can be. Keep doing chores around the house, and I’ll be glad to indulge you on occasion.

As far as personality, there are many things that have not changed in your life — one being your quietness. In a world of extroverts {myself included}, I get why the quiet kids often get overlooked. You aren’t one to cause drama, and you’d be mortified forever if you ever got into any kind of trouble. In fact I may have said “Yay!” when you said your teacher had to tell you to stop talking once.

Please don’t let your quietness define you or make you question your abilities. Because you, my dear, are a firefly, and you shine from within. Please know that just because you are less needy than your siblings, doesn’t mean I don’t constantly notice you.

I notice your light.

I notice it when you search for frogs and bugs.

I notice it when you care for your siblings when they don’t feel well.

I notice it when you sing.

I notice it when you ask about a person with a disability.

I notice it when you have a giggle fit and show your missing teeth.

I notice it when you recall a fact you’ve learned and apply it to new knowledge.

I notice your light shining daily.

So keep shining your light into the world, and I’m confident one day the world is going to see it, too.

Happy birthday to my sweetheart. My blue eyed Kinee-Ree who sees the good in everyone no-matter-what kid.

I love you to the moon and back, times infinity.

Kisses,

Mom

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