My dear Mei,
You’re 7! It’s been a while since I’ve penned one of these open letters to you. I’m not sure I’ll write another one since I think it won’t be long before you ask me to stop sharing stories about you here in this space. But Mama here is feeling all nostalgic as you mark another milestone so here is a quick one for the record.
We celebrated your birthday early this year with a party at the ice skating rink. It was a party of your own choosing, and you were so excited you kept hoping for March would come quickly. This was the first party where I involved you in all aspects of the planning of your party, from the venue and activity, to the theming and colour combinations, choosing the cake, your invite list, and preparing the party favours, and you were so excited about it all. It was a very straight-forward party by my usual fussy standards (haha) but I knew you wanted to be a part of it and I was glad to have you take ownership of the process in many ways. It took doubly long, and frankly I was exhausted from having to bring you shopping with me during the precious pockets of time we had in the afternoons, but seeing your excitement and your pride in putting together a party for your friends made it worth it.
I was really especially proud of the way you worked on your party favours. We decided to make personalised MUJI notebooks for your friends, an idea that seemed like a great idea until you add the fact that you had nearly 20 children on your invite list. I know my enthusiasm waned considerably after the first couple of books when it turned out more challenging than we thought to stamp nicely, but you persevered. Even when it meant stopping and going to a different MUJI the next day, you wanted to be there to finish all the books. We also got some pens, highlighters and treats for everyone and you carefully matched each set and packed them in the bags. You even made sure you kept the dented Kinder Eggs for yourself and only gave the nice ones to your friends.
On the day of the party, you were beside yourself with excitement and sprung out of bed in a snap. You waited anxiously till party time and when we arrived, you couldn’t wait to hit the ice. But what made you smile the widest was seeing your friends.
We invited a group of old friends from kindy and another small group of new friends from Primary school and I was glad to see that you spent some time with both groups, and also found the time to whizz your cousin around for a bit.
If I’d worried about how you would adjust to being in an all-girls school, seeing you interacting with your friends on that day would certainly have put my heart at rest. Maybe one day you might find it funny that you’d frequently moaned about not being a boy and therefore not being able to go to Gor-gor’s school. You are still finding your place but you’ve adjusted incredibly well to Primary school, and while that would be an entirely separate post, know that I am really proud of you.
At 7 years of age, you are:
… responsible and independent. I can issue you instructions on doing your work and know that they will be completed most of the time! Of course there are the days when I tell you to play your piano and nothing happens the whole morning. But by and large you know what you have to do and will do it on your own. You know how to pack up and take your showers, and you are good at helping out around the house. These days I find you reading more on your own and while my heart fills with guilt because I know it’s in part because I don’t have the time to read to you. Still, I’m glad to see you absorbed in a book on your own. You enjoy the 13-storey treehouse series, Elly Belly, and Rainbow Magic (how could you not, right, despite me hoping you’ll read something else??) and recently have gotten into our massive inherited collection of Young Scientist magazines. Mama will find the time to read more to you — I will!
… a wonderful Jiejie. Not only to your own baby brother, but also to the other younger kids around you. This is why you are Natenate’s favourite sibling and your cousin E loves you. While most kids only one to play with the older kids, you’ve always had the heart for the littler ones. You’ll pack toys for Natenate in your bag when we head out and will always try to engage him when he gets fussy. Yes, your enthusiasm for Natenate has gotten you into scrapes since you are also the one who has dropped him the most times. But I know that he know that he loves his “teh-teh” and for the most part, you’ve been an awesome big sister to him.
… still a bundle of energy. You have always been athletic and you continue to be the sort of girl who loves to run around more than sit and be demure. This was why you were always friends with the boys and I’m glad that in Primary school, you seem to have found other girls to run around with you. I know that between your Gor-gor having to do his homework and Natenate and his demands, you don’t get to have as much outdoor time as you would like. But these days I’ve tried to make it a point to bring you and your baby brother downstairs more often and you’ve been really getting into your rollerblades. You’re getting really good and I hope it’ll be an activity you continue to enjoy over the years. Especially since you steadfastly refuse to ride a bike! You’re good on a two-wheeled scooter though so I know that once you decide to pedal, you’ll be alright! You’ve always been my athletic child and I hope you’ll continue to love sports as you grow.
… getting self-conscious. I find that a pity because you have so much to offer those around you. You dislike being in the spotlight and my goodness, it’s like pulling teeth to get you to practice for a presentation. As someone who took a long time to grow into my skin and accept the person that I am, I more than understand how you feel. Yet at the same time, I hope you’ll see what everyone else sees. That you are more than capable and you can do it, whatever it may be!
… are a very loving child. You generously write and draw all the cards around the house, and give our many hugs. Your many “I love you Mama”s are the sweetest rewards for the time that I spend with you and your brothers.
You, my dear, are my beautiful, intelligent, brave, loving and strong Warrior Princess, the rose of the family and the one who will hold both your brothers in check. May the Lord continue to bless you as you open your life to Him and walk in Him. Happy birthday Sweetie! We love you more than you can imagine.
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