Calla at 9

Dear Calla,

At 9 years old you are wise beyond your years.  You are calm and practical, and seem to know yourself better than a lot of 29 year olds.  You are sweet and you are kind.  You are an amazing big sister!  I love to watch the way you stand with your arms outstretched in front of Maya when you go to cross the street.  I love the way you get right down on your knees to talk or play with Aria.

At 9 years old you are bright and happy.  You love to sing and dance and play.  You love animals especially your dog Cocoa.  Cocoa is always the first person/being you greet when you come in.  You never complain when asked to do something for Cocoa and you love to take her outside to play.  Your love for animals just seems to be a part of who you are and you still want to be a vet when you grow up.

At 9 years old your favorite color is purple.  You prefer to wear jeans to dresses and don't really care how you have your hair.  Your strawberry blonde hair falls down your back in a mane of beautiful waves.  People are always commenting on it.

This past year you have started going on sleep overs and you love to spend time with your friends.  You have started talking more at school and singing all the time.  You have clear opinions of your own and accept those of others without hesitation or judgement.

You are growing up before my eyes and much faster than I could have ever imagined!  Sometimes I'd love to hit a switch and stop time for just a few moments - to truly have a good look at you.  You are changing so fast and I want to know you always.  You are still a little girl and yet I see that you already know so much about the world.  A tween you are now called!

At 9 years old you are a light in my life - as you have been from the moment I knew I was carrying you.  As you continue to grow and change I need you to know that my love for you never does.  I am so very grateful that you call me 'Mom'.

Love Mom