Each day when I look at you, it both amazes me and terrifies me at how you are moving from being my little baby to becoming a young woman. I vividly recall you "dancing" around the living room when you were old enough to stand on your own. It could barely be called dancing since it was mostly running and jumping. Now, when you dance in the living room, you are graceful and glide across the floor. Each soccer season, this being our 15th, I think about your very first time playing soccer. You were just two. You kicked that ball all the way to the goal and then picked it up and put it in. I love watching you play soccer, but that will forever be my favorite memory. You wanted to play baseball before you could even hold a bat. You were literally going to baseball fields from the time you were a few months old. As soon as you could walk, you wanted to be out there with your brother rather than stuck behind the fence with me. Finally, it was your turn. And you, my sweet girl, who had waited so long, huffed and stomped around the bases your first time out there because you were called [Sunshine] R as opposed to just [Sunshine]. Now, you are playing all the positions and figuring out your favorite. You no longer stomp around the bases.
You have always been one to do your own thing, regardless of what others are doing. To this day, I am in awe of that and filled with pride. I have watched you set out and try new things. This past year, you picked up a bow and arrow and decided archery was pretty cool, even though no one else you know does it. You weren't sure about chess, but joined chess club and found you like it. Though math isn't your favorite, you joined 24 Club and made it into the city tournament. You have stepped up and taken on leadership roles by joining safety patrol and KKids. You can now solve a Rubik's cube faster than your brother! You are singing your heart out in Glee, and, to our surprise, tried out for a solo. Getting the solo doesn't matter, what matters is you tried! This summer, you are branching out and trying rock climbing. You have always been so adventurous! Not only have you started doing so many new things, but you have stuck with activities that you really love, like soccer, dance, softball, running, gardening, and art.
This past year, you have taken time to develop your friendships. You are such a caring kid. You want to make sure everyone is happy. I'm so proud of you for being the kid who plays with the kids who don't have many friends. You try very hard to make sure everyone is included, even if you are not a huge fan of that particular person. You are still learning life lessons on who to trust and how to balance your friendships, but that's good and you're doing an amazing job.
Life is always an adventure with you, my sweet Sunshine. I'm excited to see what this coming year has in store for you. Whatever it is, you will meet it with your bold spirit and kind nature. You will shine.
I love you. Always.
Mommy