Letter to Nina, 6.5 Years

Dear Nina,

I am a little late in writing this letter, but you are so easy going that I don't think you'll mind. Your disposition lets the little stuff just roll right off your back.

You started first grade last month, and you are loving it! Your enthusiasm about school is such a breath of fresh air. If only we could all be so cheerful about the day-to-day grind. Apparently, you are quite the flirt. I've had mothers or grandmothers of at least three boys come up to me to tell me how their sons are completely enamoured with you and plan to marry you. I'm not sure what your seduction tactics are, but they appear to be working. We are seriously scared of your teenage years!

Earlier this week, I saw two sandwiches in the refrigerator. I asked about them and was told that you had made them on Saturday morning for your and Elise's lunch boxes, not realizing it was a Saturday.  You definitely have a get-up-and-go philosophy in the mornings!

Your biggest focus right now is jump roping. It has been so fun to watch you find your passion. You have tried swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and dance, but none of those stuck. Jump rope has reeled you in like nothing else! You practice in all your spare time regardless of the temperature outside.

  

You have checked off 12 of 13 skills required to move up to the next level. Tonight in class, you had a look of determination like I've never seen before trying to master that last skill. With a beet red face and sweat dripping down your neck, you tried it again and again and again. I was so proud of your persistence. By the end of class, you hadn't gotten it yet, but I predict you'll be out in the garage every day this week working on it. By next week, you'll be marking off that last skill.

Double dutch is your favorite activity, but you love learning new tricks for single rope too. This week, you've been working on double-unders, full turns, and speed jumping. The smile on your face when you master a new trick makes my heart do a little jump roping of its own!

You've had some horrendous ear infections in the last few months. It is worrisome that despite the tubes, you are still getting ear infections. We keep hoping you'll outgrow them, but at this point, it isn't looking too promising. Fortunately, you're a good sport about wearing the doctor-mandated ear plugs and a swim cap in the pool.

 

A good family friend said to me recently, "Nina seems like she just has the world all figured out." I love the way she put that. I think it describes you perfectly. At six and a half, you have developed such a personality and confidence. You certainly have your moments of meltdowns, back-talking, and fighting with Elise, but for the most part, I think you have made a spot for yourself in the world and are quite comfortable there.

Thanks for being you, Nina!

I love you,

Mama

 

Comments

[Tracym]

She is lovely. Truly lovely. She reminds me so much of my middle girl - Esther. Just loves life.
xoxo,t