Dear Hermione, A Letter on Your 7th Birthday

Dear Hermione,

Recently every time I look at you I wonder how you got so big and grown up. When I say, “I can’t believe you are almost 7” you look at me and say, “what Mommy, is it going too fast?” Yes, yes it is. You have turned into a mature, wise, brilliant young lady before my eyes this year. There are so few traces of my tiny little girl left.

This is not how I imagined we would celebrate your 7th birthday. I promise you we will still see a Broadway show and have that Descendants party. I promise. Someday. Although I am starting to think I mind our current situation more than you do. Yesterday when we made a list of activities for your birthday you seemed just as excited about playing “Pass the Parcel” as you did about a big party with tons of friends. Again showing me how mature and grown up you are. Maybe more mature than your Mama?

You have blown me away at every turn this year. You are becoming an immensely talented ballerina, your piano and guitar playing have taken off at lightening speed. You are a valued member of your 1st Grade class and continue to be a caring, kind, loving friend. You have also continued to be an amazing big sister. I love watching you snuggle Portia, read stories to her, even help her get dressed. She is so lucky to have you by her side. I know you will take good care of her for the rest of your life.

Despite always being a little girl in my mind I have tried to let you express your maturity and sense of self this year. You have made it very clear that light green is now your favorite color, not pink. You sometimes prefer jeans to a dress. You have become shockingly adept at doing your makeup and have so much fun playing around with it at your vanity. When it became clear you wouldn’t’ be wearing a school uniform anytime soon you asked me to dye your hair violet. I could not resist indulging you!

Everyday I see more of myself in you. When you ask to borrow my headlamp so you can read yourself to sleep after I say goodnight my heart swells. I love that you love books as much as I do. Although I do miss you begging me to stay for just one more snuggle, one more kiss.

As big and grown up as you are there are still part of you that remains so little. You still carry your lovey around the house with you all day and panic if you cannot find her at bedtime. You still talk to and care for your stuffed animals as if they were real. Perhaps they are? You still randomly hug me around my legs and say “I love you Mama.” You still beg me to get into the bathtub with you.

Seven years ago you came racing into this world two weeks earlier than we expected you. From the moment you were born my life was forever changed. You made me a mama and gave me a whole new life better than any I could have ever asked for. Thank you for being my greatest love, my biggest teacher and my best friends. Happy, Happy Birthday Baby Girl. I hope 7 is a magical year for you! You deserve magic.

Love,

Mommy