Happy Birthday Isabella

Dear Isabella,

Happy 7th birthday to my best girl.  My only girl.  My Sunshine.  My Bella Boo.  My First Grader.

You have had an amazing year.  And I thank God everyday that I am your mommy.  I am so blessed to be able to have a front row seat to your life.  During this past year,  I have watched you grow taller, your curls get longer, and your smile get even brighter. I have watched you ride a bike, swim like a fish, do a cartwheel, read books, play soccer, lacrosse and basketball.  You love to dance and do gymnastics, and you want to be a gymnast when you grow up!  You are so brave.  You are not afraid to try new things, exciting things, like paddle boarding, zip lining and riding roller coasters.

And although you have learned many new things this year and have gotten bigger, you still remain the same.  As I have stated in every letter I have ever written to you, you are you and the best things about you are the things that have been inherently you since the beginning. Pop always says, "Isabella is as good as gold." And it is true. You are such a kind, sweet girl.   Your smile lights up a room.  You love your brothers, cousins, friends and family.  Your hugs are the best. You are such a happy girl, and you spend each day living life to its fullest. People love to be around you. You are chatty and funny.  You love to laugh at your own jokes and that loud laugh of yours in contagious!

You are a girly girl, but you can hang with the boys.  You are a wonderful big sister, so patient and imaginative. Zachary loves to play with you.  He misses you when you are at school.  You are a typical little sister. You and Alex argue sometimes, especially when Alex wants to "teach you something," but the bond you have always had is undeniable. He wants to be your protector and (secretly) you love it!

You are a Daddy's Girl through and through, and I am okay with that! The way your daddy treats you and loves you is the sweetest thing in the world.  He loves all of us, but you are his princess, his one and only. And in my opinion, that is how it should be.

And then there is me, your mommy. No one in all the world loves you as much as I love you.  You are my heart.  My daughter. And I strive to be a better person and woman, because of you.  I know you are watching.  And I pray everyday that I am setting a good example for you. I want you to grow up to be strong and loyal and kind.   And sometimes that means admitting that I am wrong or impatient or unfair. It is important to know that no one is perfect but as long as you try to be your best self, that is all that matters.  One day someone will say to you, "like mother, like daughter." And when you hear those words, more than anything I want you to feel proud.

I love you, my Golden Girl.
Mommy