What a year it’s been! I am in constant awe of the beautiful young lady you have become. You are kind, talented, creative, hard-working, funny, intelligent, and inquisitive. And that’s not all…you are also a dedicated friend, a loving big sister (most of the time—ha!), and the best daughter anyone could ask for. When I dreamed of starting a family I could not have imagined a more perfect person to make me a mom.

I know that sometimes things feel like a LOT. Especially right now, with so much changing and things being a little out of sorts. It is so easy to let our brains trick us into worrying too much or getting overwhelmed. I think the biggest lesson we’ve learned together this year is how worries only grow when they are kept inside. Once we share them we take that power back and they shrink in the light of day. My wish for you is that you don’t forget this and always use the support network that you’ve built. You have the best friends to lean on, a family who will ALWAYS be there, and other people you trust (teachers, coaches) who are there to help you whenever you need it.

Also, funny story, did you know that when I was your age I was always right? Nothing my mom or dad or anyone could say would make me think differently. And whenever they tried to relate to me or tell me something, I would roll my eyes and think “they just don’t understand.” Anyway, I don’t know what made me remember that, but I thought you’d find that interesting.

INSERT EYE ROLL HERE

I joke about wanting to freeze time because it’s going too fast but I want to tell you a secret. I am actually MORE excited to watch you grow up and see the woman you will become. Because I can already tell you are going to be one inspiring and compassionate woman and I can’t wait to say, “See her? I’m her mom.”

And even though you may stop calling me mommy (at least around other people), I will ALWAYS think of you as my little Lena-bug. But I won’t call you that in public. I PROMISE.

I want to end by sharing a few of my favorite things you’ve said to me (relatively) recently.

One time (of MANY) when you corrected me.

Me: You’re like a fish! You love the water so much!

You: I would describe myself more like a mermaid, actually.

The time you taught us all a little about “Brandon Math.”

Daddy, trying to encourage you to practice fractions: Ok, I grilled 6 burgers. There are 4 of us…how many do we each get?

You: Well mommy, daddy, and I get 1 and Brandon gets 3.

And my personal favorite: the time that you really understood what it’s like to be a mom.

I had just finished helping you with a minor task (I honestly don’t even remember what it was).

You: Thank you so much!

…pause…

You: You know, it must be exhausting being a mommy. Someone always needs something!

Finally, here’s your annual birthday survey. Thank you for humoring me all these years and answering these questions.

• Age: 10

• Favorite Color: Blue

• Best Friend(s): Kaylee, Kylie, Polly, & Riley

• Favorite Snack/Treat: Ice cream sandwich

• What do you want to be when you grow up: Artist

• Favorite Song: “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry 

• Favorite TV Show: Modern Family

• Favorite Movie: Beauty & the Beast (live-action)

• Favorite thing to do with family: laugh together

• Favorite Book: The Thing About Jellyfish

• Favorite food for breakfast: donuts & pancakes

• Favorite food for lunch: grilled cheese

• Favorite food for dinner: spaghetti & meatballs

• Most important thing learned so far: how to learn online (distance learning)

• Favorite Toy: art supplies

• Are you afraid of anything: spiders

• Favorite thing to do outside: play with Brandon on the play-set 

• Favorite place to visit: Florida 

• Mom's favorite thing to do with you: Read the books you’ve written and discuss books we’ve read.

• Dad's favorite thing to do with you: ride bikes or listen to you play piano

• What is one thing you want for your birthday: jewelry! 

• How are you celebrating your birthday this year: spending time with family