I crept into her room so early it was still dark, but I could tell she was awake. I saw her little eye peek over to make sure it was me. Yet she immediately feigned sleep; my princess likes to be woken with a kiss.
I gave her a smooch on her cheek and sang her a little birthday song in her ear. A smile spread across her face.
“Wow, yesterday you started kindergarten, and today is your birthday! You are six! Why don’t try it out? Say, ‘I’m six!’ Go on and feel how it sounds.”
She hopped into a sitting position and proudly proclaimed, “I am six years old!” Of course she would respond in a complete sentence; it’s just her way.
I was so nervous for her first day of kindergarten. It is a new school, new friends, new everything for her. When I dropped her off she walked tall and went willingly when they lead her away from me, never looking back. All that worry was all so needless.
But that’s just her way. She has little fear of change. She accepts and looks forward to new experience. She is so much braver than I ever was at her age.
I have a bag of assorted Dum Dum lollipops at home. On the occasion when I let her have one I rattle off a few flavor options, but her response is always the same.
“I want the mystery one!”
And that right there is a major difference between us. Those question marks all over the wrapping, they scare me. I would never take the mystery one, because what if I don’t like it? What if I am disappointed?
She always takes the mystery one and never worries if it’s not her favorite flavor; she would rather take a chance and be surprised by what life has to offer. It’s seems so fitting to break it down into sugary treat options, because truly she already knows how to enjoy the sweetness of life.
It’s certainly not something that she learned from me. In fact, I remember the first time saying to her, “Are you sure you want the mystery one? You won’t know what you’re getting! What if you don’t like it?” I regretted it right after I said it, but it didn’t matter.
She was sure, and relished tasting the mystery pop and figuring it out for her self. After all, it is just her way, and a great way at that.
Happy 6th Birthday to my sweet Sofia. I hope you always enjoy life’s mysteries.
So sweet – It’s hard to believe she’s 6 though! All that confidence and willingness to jump into things may not be like you, but it is given to her by you. Great job Mama!
AND, Happy Birthday Sofia!!
Hope she had a great birthday!
Love this post! I love how you used the Dum Dum lollipops to describe your personalities – brilliant! And I am more like you and wish I was more like Sofia!
Thank you Erin. I wish I were too!
Thank you Emily! I think we’re both doing something right.
Thank you!