Dear Addie,
You're beautiful. You're kind, and you're loving. You really have the sweetest, most selfless soul I've ever seen in a child. And you're already 6 and a half years old! I cannot even fathom how fast {entirely too fast}you are growing.
You are already in the first grade?! I have a confession: I have taught first grade for 5 years and in my mind, it's always been the "big kid" checkpoint. The time past the little kindergarten baby days; the point in which real subjects begin and nap mats get stuffed in closets. It's a point in which children like you are gradually prompted to grow up.
But wait. One thing I refuse to do is let you grow up too fast.
Please do some things for me:
Please keep taking your baby dolls to church. Even on those mornings when your dad and I are scrambling around trying to get everyone out the door before the sermon starts, please keep insisting that your baby needs to go too. And when you get your baby to the car, keep buckling it in like you do.
Keep imagining that you're a contestant on Chopped Jr. and please keep letting me try your recipes you make in your pretend kitchen.
Please keep giving me kisses, hugs, and I love yous even in front of all your friends before you walk to your classroom every morning. I cringe when I think about the day you become too embarrassed to do that.
And keep on making things. Drawing pictures. Doodling, Cutting. Gluing. Crafting. Making potholders for everyone under the sun. Playing on your car table. In your dollhouse. Pretending you're Darcy's teacher.
Your spirit is like no other and your personality is uplifting to everyone you meet.
Addie Lee, you are SO loved. And I love you more than you'll ever know.
