Letter to Lacey: 9 years old

Dear Lacey,You are nine years old. Isn’t it funny how it can feel like you’ve been here forever, but that it also feels just like yesterday that they were placing you in my arms? How can it be that time can feel so fast and slow at the same time?Nine years ago you made me a mum. My life changed that day. My heart changed. I knew from that moment when they placed you in my arms that I would never be the same, something inside me shifted and I was forever different, in the best way possible.I thought I knew what being a mum was going to be like. I thought I had it sorted. You threw all my preconceived plans out the window, and challenged me in ways I didn’t know I could be challenged. Some days and nights might have been tough, and might continue to be tough, but you’ve made me a better person simply by being you. Beautiful you.I am proud of the person you are. You’re vibrant and full of life. You’re an adventurer, always ready to explore. You have limitless energy, never one to sit and do nothing. You want to be where the action is. You want to be part of it all, and everyone’s friend. You want in, always. You are wild, and fabulous.While you’re wild and fabulous, you’re also sensitive and compassionate. You’re a sweet big sister, loving Lulu from the day she was born. Don’t think you don’t fight though… you know how to push her buttons, and you do. The two of you are chalk and cheese, and while Lulu loves her space to be creative and play alone… you want company always. You need to be with people, and most of the time Lulu is that person. Most of the time she loves it, and others… well, you know how to make her squeal.Lulu is so lucky to have you as her big sister. I know that you will go through life together, always as friends, supporting each other through everything. You already shown her how to apply hot pink eye shadow, so that’s one lesson sorted.As your mum, I worry about you always. I don’t know why, but I’ve done it since you were born. Looking on the bright side of life doesn’t come naturally for you, and you sometimes see things as unfair and too hard. I’ve realised lately that I don’t need to worry so much, and that you’re going to be just fine. You will navigate life in the way that you need to, and it will take you on your own amazing adventures.Lacey, I am so proud of the person you are at nine. Our fridge is covered in love notes and pictures from you to me. Each one makes me heart swell. I know nine is a turning point and in a year you’ll be double digits and taking a swift dive into the teen years. For now, I’m embracing this age. Nine is fun. It’s filled with funny jokes, new milestones and big changes, and I’ll be there for you for all of them.I love you always, and forever, Mama. xxSaveSave