8.

Dear Sienna,

On Monday you turned 8.  

I'm not quite sure what to say about that because the last eight years have been a whirlwind for me.  I'm trying to figure out if you know everything I need you to know in your first eight years or not.  As the third of four, I worry you sometimes get lost in the shuffle of our busy life.  

Luckily, you always know how to make yourself known.  

But do you know the rest of the important eight-year-old stuff? 

Things like don't lose your silliness.  Laughing at life (and yourself) is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you.  It reminds us all not to take things too seriously and you excel at that my dear.  

And don't worry about what everyone else is up to.  Here's my lesson to you for your eighth birthday:  life isn't fair.  There will always be someone who has more, does more, gets more, excels more, etc.  Don't let their good fortune ruin your day! Pat them on the back and say "well done!"  Learning this simple idea will save you from oodles of heartache.  

And take pride in all the unique little things that make you uniquely our Sienna girl.  Love those dimples.  Smile at that little white line that crosses the bridge of your nose.  Hold your hear high and wear your height proudly.  Feel pride in excelling at not one but two languages.  Continue to surround yourself with sweet girls who make you feel good for being YOU.  Because who you are is so amazing.  

I love your bright blue eyes.  I love your passionate heart.  I love your stubborn nature (most of the time) that fights for the underdog.  I love that you love clothes and jewelery.  I love that you laugh all the time and speak with the best accent this side of the Bronx.  You are my very favorite 8-year-old girl and I'm so proud to be your mom.

Happy Birthday Squish.

Love,
Mama