My sweet Peyla, June
19, 2014
I can't believe I am writing this, but tomorrow you will be
turning 4 years old! The time is passing so quickly and yet some of the days
feel deliciously long. Watching you grow over the last four years has been the
most joy my heart will ever feel. I love you more than words could ever
describe! You are becoming more "you" with each passing day and I marvel
at you. All of you! Your beautifully kind heart, your stubborn streak, your
gentle soul and your tenacity. You have such depth, it's almost surreal to know
that you are only 4. And yet I can't believe that you are already 4. Such a
paradox! I've watched you become much more of little girl this year, as your
babyhood drifts from your face. It's amazing to watch and yet so bittersweet. Another
paradox! Peyla, I know I am your mother when I write this...but you are so
special. So very special. Please always remember your inner beauty. We had
"that" conversation today as I painted your tiny toe nails (you
wanted "Elsa Blue" for your birthday). You looked up at me with those
huge, green eyes and said, "Look mommy! I'm beautiful". My heart
skipped a beat as I realized that you are embarking on the lifelong journey of
what is true "beauty". It frightens me and yet I know it's my job to
help you learn this very ambiguous term. I smiled at you, took your hands in
mine and said, "yes baby! You are so beautiful. Do you know why? Because
of your kind heart, and brave soul, and smart mind. Your Elsa Blue nails are
fun, but you are beautiful because of who you are." I know it didn't sink
in...but I can only hope that this will be the beginning of a life full of
love...for your family, your true friends, your fellow humanity but most of
all, for yourself. Always remember that Daddy, Ali and I love you beyond
measure, and it is a love that you can always count on! Happy 4th birthday to
my funny and sassy sweetheart!
Love,
Mommy
A few fun facts/anecdotes about you:
-You love/adore/worship Elsa from the movie Frozen. And
Zarina from The Pirate Fairy. When I asked you about your preference for these
characters, you solemnly replied, "Because they are strong girls
mommy." (ahhhh, so my comments DO
sink in!)
-You love/adore/worship your baby sister Aliyah. Ali. Ali
Bear. Sissy Bear. Aliyah Beeyah. Nothing brings me greater happiness in this
world than watching you two together. You were made for each other, pure and
simple. You love each other. You fight with each other. You protect each other.
Everything you do or receive, you are concerned that Ali gets equal treatment.
Sisterly love truly is magic!
-You love spending time with your family! Our favorite
events or outings have been: going to Disneyland (moments I will never
forget!), camping (let's forget the first time you slept in a tent), hiking
(our favorite spot is the Cave Creek Recreation Park), swimming and swim class
(you are so proud of your budding swim skills! You even talk about becoming a
"shark" in swim class...the highest level of swim team), movie
nights, Old Maid cards, art art and more ART (you've become so creative and are
learning about imagination).
-You started pre-school in January 2014! Of course, I stewed
and ruminated about the very BEST place to send you. For months. I think I may
have caused an ulcer for myself. But then I realized that there is no BEST place...you
learn so much about the world in your daily life and human interactions. We
finally settled on Dynamite Montessori and it has been a wonderful transition
for you! We've watched as you stepped out on your own and assert some
independence. The moment your teacher took your little hand and guided you away
on that first day will forever be seared in my heart! I was/am so proud of you,
but letting someone else take an important role in your life was...difficult.
But watching you skip out the door after school that day made our decision
clear! You love your school and teachers, and witnessing your world expand has
been amazing!
April 2014- Disneyland
Mimi's Beach- April 2013
Mimi's Beach- March 2014
What a change!
