On Your 7th Birthday...

Wren is turning 7 this year! Every year I sit down to write one of these letters, wondering how another birthday has already come and gone. My hope with these letters is that one day you'll read them and see yourself through my eyes. If there is one thing I hope you know as you turn seven, it's just how incredibly loved you are.

Wrenley,

Happy 7th birthday, my sweet girl.

You're no longer the little girl who waits for someone to show you what to do first. You're finding your own voice, making your own decisions, sharing your own ideas, and becoming your own person. Watching that happen has been so magical. Every year you teach me that growing up isn't something to fear, it's something to celebrate.

The thing that amazes me most about you is your determination.

When you decide you want something, there is very little that can stand in your way. Whether you're skating onto the ice, stepping onto the lacrosse field, learning to ride a two wheeler, or trying something that doesn't come easily at first, you refuse to quit. You keep practicing, you keep learning, and you keep believing you'll get there. You definitely have a stubborn side (I wonder where that came from!), but it's the kind of stubbornness that pushes you to keep going when things get hard. I hope you carry that determination with you for the rest of your life because it will take you farther than you can imagine.

This year you also conquered Grade 1. You learned so much, worked so hard, and continued to grow both inside and outside the classroom. I loved hearing about your days, seeing you in the hallways, watching your confidence build, and seeing you become excited about learning. Now you're ready to take on Grade 2, and I have absolutely no doubt that you'll continue to surprise yourself with everything you're capable of.

As proud as I am of everything you've accomplished, what matters most to me is the person you are becoming. You are thoughtful, caring, funny, creative, and full of love. You care deeply about the people around you, and your heart has a way of making others feel important. Those qualities will always matter more than any goal you score, trophy you win, or grade you bring home. Being your mom is the best part of who I am.

You have given our lives more joy, purpose, laughter, and love than I ever knew was possible. I have loved every stage of your life, but I think what I love most is simply getting to walk beside you as you grow. I don't need you to stay little forever, I just hope I never stop being the person you want to tell your stories to, celebrate your victories with, or lean on when life gets hard.

Turning seven feels like the end of your "little girl" years. Somehow, the tiny hands I used to hold are growing bigger, and the adventures ahead are becoming bigger too. While I'll always miss the little version of you, I am so excited to watch you embrace everything that comes next. I can't wait to see where your confidence, your determination, and your kind heart lead you. Keep dreaming big. Keep working hard. Keep being unapologetically yourself.

And always remember that no matter how tall you grow, how old you become, or where life takes you, you will always be my baby, and I will always be your biggest fan.

Happy 7th Birthday, our Roo. I love you more than you'll ever know.

Love always,

Mommy

P.S. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."