January 13, 2021
Dear Piper,
Today you turn 7! Every year I sit here and write this letter to you and say the same thing. I cannot believe that you are 7. You are such a young lady now. You definitely are not a baby. Your seventh year of life has been quite a doozy, but it has been for all of us. I'm sure one day you will look back on this year with fond memories. It is the year that we spent together. The year where you were unable to finish Kindergarten because of a virus and subsequent pandemic. We did a lot during quarantine. You dad and I tried to keep things fun, educational, and as normal as possible. I hope that we succeeded!
You weigh about 55 pounds now and are around 50 inches tall! Your hair is still long, wavy, thick, and dark. Your eyes are more hazel than green these days, but I love them just the same. You have developed a few tiny freckles on your nose. You have started losing your baby teeth and have lost 5 this past year. You still love Taylor Swift and will belt just about any of her songs from the backseat of the car. Your current favorite TV show is Victorious from Nickelodeon. It's an older show that your brother Dylan watched as a kid too. Your Favorite color is turquois, and your favorite food is Mommy's Mac and Cheese.
This year you are in First Grade with Mrs. Hall. This is a very different school year where you have had to wear masks, and social distance as much as possible. There are limits to who you can play with on the playground, and all kinds of weird things. BUT you, my flexible baby girl, have taken all of those changes in stride. You are your typical happy, sassy, self. This year you have continued to grow and learn. You are doing so well learning to read. It is secretly my favorite each night listening to you read books as I comb your hair after your shower. I can't wait to start reading Harry Potter with you before bedtime next year! This year at school you also tested into the Gifted Program. We are so very proud of you--you little smarty pants!
Despite the pandemic, we were able to make to it Disney World this year. You love it there! This was the first trip where we didn't take the stroller, and we honestly didn't miss it. You got tired by the end of the day, but you didn't really whine. You are still our little travel buddy who would much prefer to be out and about than at home. You were finally old enough to ride everything, and you did so enthusiastically. You even rode the Rock n' Roller Coaster, your first coaster to go upside down. Even though you had to wear a mask the whole time. I think it was worth it. We had a blast. We didn't make it to our condo in Virginia, and there were no cruises. We had a summer spent lounging at the pool, and playing with your neighborhood bestie, Tambrey. There were lots of Board Games, movie nights, and days spent learning to ride your bike without training wheels, and tying your shoes. Both of which you can do now! Overall, when I think about this last year--I am grateful that I had more time to savor 6 year old you!
definitely mutual. She cannot wait to greet you when you come down stairs in the morning. You love to cuddle with her on the couch or even the floor. There have also been some epic games of "dog ball." We hope she will be your best friend for years to come.
You had a blast in your second season cheering for the Lanier Lions. You love tumbling and stunting. I am so looking forward to next season. You also enjoy your girl scout troop. You especially like the cookies!
Happy Birthday Pipes! I love you big! You give me so much love each and everyday. I hope you get just a fraction of that today on your special day.
Love,
Mommy
