Dear Addie:
It's hard to believe I am writing you this because you are now 8 years old! I have no idea what happened to the last seven years but they seriously flew by. Just the other day I freaked your dad out by telling him that this means you are only 2 years away from double digits and 10 years away from graduating high school. He didn't appreciate it much, and I have to admit that it's a hard thought to have. Sometimes I see your little sister and I can't help but see you at the same age she is now. Then I realize that you are so far past that age and have changed so much.
This last year was definitely tough, but you faced it like a champ. It started out simple enough and we even got you into ballet which you definitely enjoyed quite a bit. Then COVID hit and although it's something we all wish we could forget, you faced it like you. You handled having to leave school and everything changing. You continued to learn and thrive here at home despite my worries. You filled up workbook after workbook just taking in as much information as you could. You even got to the point that the 1st grade books were too easy so I got you 2nd grade books. Those books definitely challenged you but couldn't get enough of them. You are definitely a sponge when it comes to knowledge. You just want to learn as much as you can, as fast as you can.
But you were definitely pumped to get back to school. You didn't care how you got there but you were ready to be back in a classroom. You were ready to be with your friends again. You were ready for actual teachers again that could continue to push you. So you started 2nd grade like a pro. I will admit that the hybrid schedule was tough because you and I don't always work well together but it was short lived and you were thrilled to get back into the classroom full time.
However it was tough because some of your friends were not back this year which forced you to make more friends, which can be tough. But you were excited when you came home and told me proudly that you made a friend. You are just so likable that anyone would be lucky to be your friend. And since then school has been smooth sailing. You are just taking it all in, loving being back (mask and all).
This spring I decided to get you and your brother scooters. You have a bike but we are still working on that skill. And even the scooter was a struggle at first. You looked more like you had a broken leg and needed to the scooter to get around, but slowly you found your balance and now you are whipping around like a pro. And who knows, now that your balance is better on your scooter maybe we will try to conquer your bike this year!
We signed you up for ballet this year. I had hoped that it would help with your coordination. You have long limbs and just don't know what to do with them. But I had the same problem at your age too. You pretty much loved it from the start and were definitely bumped when we had to take an extended break when everything closed down this spring. But you got a couple more months in before the classes were just canceled. But you have expressed interest in soccer and softball, so maybe that's what we will try next.
You are always reading at least five books at once. Now that you are back in school and able to go back to library again, the librarian helped you pick out a book which happened to be in the 6th grade reading level. Other than names (which can be hard to everyone) you are doing a great job getting through the series. During the shutdown you got through a couple of Harry Potter books even and slowly making your way through that series. You just love to read and always seem to be doing it. We have started giving you extra reading time each night. Of course this was after we found a bunch of flashlights by your bed. But we decided to let you have another 30 minutes of reading time each night, which you love.
Along with reading, you are always making your own books. You told me that you wanted to be an author one day, so I told you that you just needed to practice writing and drawing. And you are always making books and coming up with ideas and drawing. You do such a good job with all your ideas.
Overall this year has been tough for everyone but you have taken it in stride. You are an amazing big sister and always willing to help out. You face your challenges (except for the fake spider we put up every Halloween) and really excel at it all. You are a tough girl. Sometimes I think back to where you started, to where you were at your sister's age. You walked late, you barely spoke, you were delayed in so many ways, and I wish all those people who helped us get you back on track could see you now. They wouldn't believe that you are the same girl.
I can't wait to see what the next year has for you. You are amazing and beautiful. You are kind and caring. I love you so much.
Love, Mama
No comments:
Post a Comment