Dear Addie (or is it Addison),
I struggle with what to call you these days, as you turn seven. You have announced at school that you want to go by Addison and although you have never told me or close family and friend's NOT to call you Addie, I can't help but switch back and forth these days.
We are at the age, sweet daughter, where emotional highs and lows have just started. There are times when you are so frustrated with me because I won't allow you to do something that you emotionally blow up where the "I don't like you" comments are screamed. I understand that you struggle and are learning how to express your frustrations and in all honesty I remember those feelings of frustrations as a young girl so I don't ever take them personally, which probably frustrates you even more! In fact, there was a time period for several weeks - just a couple of months ago, where I thought my sweet girl was gone for good- that the much talked about "tween" years, filled with attitude and defiance had come into the Brown home early. Nothing I could do was right. But just as as the terrible two's passed us, so did that stage and before I realized it, my sweet, kind and wanting-to-please-everyone daughter was back (for now.)
Your independence both thrills me and makes be sad, at times. I watch you confidently do things for the first time alone and the strong leader that I prayed for so zealously, while you were in my tummy, shines so brightly and I beam with happiness. Yet, just as often, I see you do things like confidently tuck yourself into bed on your own for the night - when we are busy with your brother and sister and it makes me sad that you don't need us for every little thing anymore. Addie - I am so proud of the self-assured young woman you already are.
Academically, you have already surprised us. You consistently focus on getting your homework done early and shocked us when your annual end of the year report card grades out averaged your brothers. You silently know how to hold your own.
My biggest frustration point with you at seven-years-old, has been your apt for loosing and breaking things. I write this to you in an open letter simply because I must remember that you are just seven years old and that it is completely normal for you to loose your headbands at school or break a necklace you wear. I am sorry if I sometimes get frustrated with you and promise to work harder to give you more grace in this department. I realize with time, responsibility will come and it is wrong of me to expect perfection. I love you sweet girl.
More than anything, Addison, I want you to know how PROUD of YOU I am... every single day. No matter if it's peeking my eye open during prayer before dinner, watching you sing, "Thank you Father...," or on stage last week at your "Talent Show," giving it your ALL in your gymnastics and tumbling routine you choreographed for you and your friend or when you quickly say you will clean up a mess that Carter has made... you have an amazing heart! You are SMART, you are BEAUTIFUL and you are such a GIVING SOUL where you want everyone to be happy around you. To me, you are the perfect combination of a young girl... one that I love so dearly. Thank you for setting the best example for your little sister whom so clearly looks up to you in ALL that you do. Addison - you are simply amazing.
I love you,
Mom
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