Dear Grace, Now You Are Twelve

Today, as I have always done, I’m dedicating a post to you for your birthday. I’ve now been writing this blog for more than half of your life. It’s hard to believe that I started with all the funny things you used to say and do as a 5, nearly 6 year old and that my relationship with dad was very new and, now look at you, so grown up.

You’ve always acted older than your years. I think that stood you in good stead when it came to becoming an older sister. You are completely wonderful with your brother – but not just with him. I was watching you yesterday as you held your youngest cousin, Cecily, in your arms and chatted to her. You are definitely Rex’s favourite and never fail to make him smile when he most needs it.

We have made sure to spend some quality time together this year. It started with the day out we had to go the North Somerset Bird of Prey centre, which was a gift we gave you for your last birthday. It was just you and I, and we had a lovely time together. It was the first time we left dad alone with Rex! We had a cream tea and a great chat afterwards. The other times we have had of note are the weekend away at Countryfile Live, seeing the second Mama Mia film at the cinema and going out Christmas shopping together, just you and I.

I know you can be a bit bossy at times which can cause you a few challenges – but I’m pleased that you are like that. You’re not mean. But you are assertive and, on the whole, you stand up for yourself. Much better that than get walked over like I did. I know you have friendship struggles but I think most girls of your age do as they try to find their place in the world. There are times when you can care too much, and it can put you under a lot of stress but together, we are trying to work through that.

You have had a few stomach issues which we are seeing a paediatrician about. I think much of it is stress and growth related but it is definitely best to get it all checked out.

You continue to do well at school. There are times when I hope you will do more than just think that something is good enough but, on the whole, we are really pleased with your school reports. You are doing well in maths and science as well as your music. You have just passed your Grade 2 piano and missed the merit by just 4 marks. We were both very impressed. You also made up lyrics to a Christmas song as part of some homework at school and did an excellent job. When I played it to Granny, it made her cry.

You listen to all the music channels and charts, just like dad and I used to, and are up on the latest artists. Something we are both so out of touch with these days. You love reading and are almost through all of the Harry Potter books. You love drawing and writing and I can definitely see the creative in you. That said, you still want to be a Biotechnologist when you leave school.

You received your 10th Parkrun t shirt for Christmas and have done really well with improving your physical movement this year. Keep it up!

So, now we look forward to seeing what is in store for you in 2019. Your last year before you become a teenager.

I love hearing you laugh. You have a brilliant, and very mature sense of humour which dad and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by! You love watching Walking Dead with us. You share in so many things that we enjoy. You have such enthusiasm for life. Don’t ever stop growing as a person. Don’t ever stop learning life lessons. But most importantly, don’t ever stop being the best version of you that you can be.

You make me proud every single day. I love you girly.

Always.

Mum xxx

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