To My Daughter On Her 11th Birthday {Kinley}

My dearest Kinley,

Oh my…What a year this has been for you! SO much growth, both inside and out. It’s hard to believe so many years have passed. I’m so glad to have so many videos of you talking as a toddler because your sweet little voice is starting to slip from my memories…

Today you are eleven.

When I asked how friends may describe you, you said shy, funny, and smart. I think those words are spot on and I adore those who take the time to get to know you on a deeper level despite your quiet vibe. Please know those are your people, always!

On many days, you prefer to be alone in your room, reading and writing. This is the first summer I had to kick you out of the house and make sure you get some sunshine. That was a big change from summers past when I couldn’t keep you inside. You can’t get enough of the Warrior Cats series. I’m glad you found some books that make your heart sing. Good books sure make life better, and I’m glad to see your passion for reading and your passion for writing short stories take off this year. Just don’t forget that fresh air is good for the soul as well 😉

Science is your favorite subject in school and you continue to love all things nature, but especially wild cats and big cats. This year, under your direction and care, we watched tadpoles turn into bullfrogs. That was such a neat experience and I loved seeing you in your element. Your confidence absolutely soars when it comes to animals and your knowledge of them.

You also experienced your first pet loss as one of your hermit crabs didn’t make it through a molting. I was very impressed with the mature way you handled things — making sure to give her a proper burial complete with saying nice things about her life. Experiencing life and death are tough, and I’m glad you had this small dose of mortality to process some of life’s harshest realities.

I absolutely adore your heart for nature and all living creatures and promise to continue to let you explore that side of your brain. Stay curious, my love! It truly is the trait that will carry you the farthest.

A big change this year has been trying softball for the first time. I won’t lie, as a mom, I was slightly terrified. Society seems to have pushed kids into specializing in a certain sport early on, so I was convinced you’d be the only kid on your team without experience. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, and you seem to fit right in despite not knowing a soul. I am BEYOND proud of you for pushing yourself to try something new…I know that isn’t always easy for you. I am so happy for your new interest, and I hope it gives you the confidence to always be willing to try new things because you never know what passions lie underneath.

Your self expression continues to grow as well. You still exclusively wear athletic clothing {which I can’t argue about because most clothing for your age is terrible – lol} and the walls in your room are covered in art and posters of your favorite things from Minecraft to wild cats. I promise to let you do your thing because those spaces belong to you and you alone. Thankfully despite the wall clutter, you are a super organized kid and your things are usually in some kind of order. I appreciate that so much and promise to only intervene as needed!

Since we are still living in a pandemic, this year has brought a few quarantines — including today on your birthday. The year may also have brought an inch or so of growth, but you continue to be my short stuff. It brought the loss of braces and the unveiling of some absolutely beautiful teeth. I can’t wait to see how your beauty — inside and out — continues to unfold in the year ahead.

Keep being curious and loud about the things that truly matter in your heart. Wear your retainer! And don’t share the secrets your friends entrust to you. Having people in your corner matters SO much as you age.

Love you to the moon and back, times infinity.

Kisses,

Mama