Dear Natalie,
Happy 8th birthday. My love, you are so special to me. I am SO blessed to be your Mama. You have taught me more than I ever thought I would ever need to know. You are everything that I could have dreamt about and more.
I am amazed by you every single day. Your wit, your humor, your sarcasm– it literally stops me dead in my tracks. If I have learned anything, it will be to brace myself. I tell myself constantly that I’m not sure that I’ll be able to make it till you’re 10.
Your love for reading and knowledge of facts are just incredible. You obviously didn’t get that from me. I love that you can tell me facts about any animal or dinosaur, and they’re usually SO far out there, I can’t help but believe in their truth.
I know that you and I have a long road ahead. I am NOT looking forward to third-grade homework, and the tears that will be shed, but I have all summer to gather advice and read up on how I can help you. [insert advice here]
My love, you are tiny, but you are mighty. Please don’t let the opinion of others hinder your joy. You are so bright, your laughter is contagious, your soul is kind– it doesn’t matter how small you are for great things come in small packages. May your 8th year in this world be nothing but extraordinary. I cannot wait to experience my favorite age with you. All I can remember was how awesome 3rd grade was and how much fun it was to be young. No lie, there will be tough times ahead, but my love, I am here for you. Depend on me, lean on me, I am here to support you forever and always.
Happiest of birthdays my big girl.
Love,
Mom