Dear Laurel,
I’ve never written you a public letter before. I don’t know if I ever will again. But today, I felt compelled to do so. You’re now six years old, and assuming all things go to plan, this will be your last birthday as our only child.
I have often heard the phrase “The days are long but the years are short” in reference to parenting, and no doubt, there have been days when I’ve felt that. I’ve got a lot of energy, but hands down, you’ve got more. Yet no matter my fatigue, not a day passes during which I don’t laugh with you, feel overwhelmed by the urge to hug you and kiss your sweet, perfect little cheeks, and marvel over the gift that is your amazingly funny, giving, sensitive, and empathetic disposition. Every night, as I draw my face close to yours — our identical little noses nearly touching — and observe the peaceful perfection that is quintessential of a sleeping child, I think, “Thank you universe, for giving us this sweet girl.”
The years are short.
Your first year, your dad and I were in survival mode, simply trying to keep you alive, simply trying to stay sane amidst the chaos of new parenting and figuring out how to relate to one another in our very changed relationship. But no matter our bumblings, you proved resilient. You survived, thrived, and made clear early on that you had very strong opinions about the world (no I won’t take a bottle, thank you very much).
Really? You were once that wee?
Your second year we realized that the terrible two’s do not come to everyone. You were cute, joyful, and had the most adorable chubby haunches ever. You showed empathy – patting the backs of your day care classmates if they were upset – before I knew it was even possible for toddlers to show empathy.
Your third year everything piqued your curiosity, everything was meant to be explored, and many subsequent bumps and bruises were sustained. And as we swirled around you, attempting to childproof or keep you from walking off an edge, we reveled in the ever increasing ability to chat with you as your language skills took new and complex turns.
Your fourth year you became a little lady. You developed strong opinions about fashion; so much happiness was found in walking around in my “tall shoes.” You found joy in all the small yet big things in life — arranging flowers, walking Grandma and Grandpa’s dog, baking with me, dancing to Daddy’s guitar playing, engaging in countless art projects.
Your fifth year was bursting with transition. You started kindergarten. It was challenging — extremely painful at times — but we survived. Then during this summer, we witnessed an incredible burgeoning of confidence and energy (yes, you have reserves somewhere apparently); things you were unwilling to do before you embraced with laughter and excitement and a mischievous sense of adventure.
Laurel, I know that your sixth year will bring plenty of joy, surprises, and no doubt some bumps along the way. This weekend we celebrated you with friends and family, bright colors, presents, and many, many pieces of cake. But no matter the simplicity or fancy trappings of a given day, trust that I’ll celebrate every day forward with you.
You make it impossible not to do so.
September 6th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Happy birthday, Laurel.
Such a wonderful testament to a marvelous little girl. Crying. xoxo
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September 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
My baby’s six tomorrow, and I am hard-pressed to remember the laughing little baby crawling across my dining room rug! Thanks for the perspective, and congratulations on your family’s growth! xoxo
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Christine Koh Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Celebrations to you and your family today Sarah!
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September 6th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Oh, I love it. I am amazed (and relieved) that I love each year my children grow older. I thought I’d dread it, losing their baby-ness, but I just love them more, my heart grows extra limbs to fit it all and hug large enough; it’s absolutely fascinating. I’ve been thinking about you, with this child growing away on the outside and another on the inside. You are a living wonder. I hope you’re feeling awesome.
Love always,
Steph
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Christine Koh Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Thank you Steph — I’ve been thinking about you so much too, the last while. I’m feeling great and I hope you will have a chance to meet “roll” (Laurel calls the baby roll, as in dinner roll… not sure where that came from) next year. xoxox
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September 6th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
You make me happy I have one of these things you speak of.
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September 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Happy Birthday Laurel!
And, Christine, this is as lovely—just as I’d expect from you. You are so right—the years are short. Hope you had a wonderful time celebrating #6.
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September 6th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Christine,
Once again you made me cry. I have started countless times to write my girls letters but have always been distracted or side tracked and never finished them.
You have inspired to me sit and finish my letters.I remember when Laurel was born, when you came to my house to celebrate Lucy’s 1st and Madelyn’s 2nd birthdays with us and have enjoyed the times we have seen you. You are a phenominal woman I don’t know how you handle and juggle all that you do. I hope you are feeling well adn good luck to Laurel as she begins 1st grade.
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Christine Koh Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
That’s wonderful Julie; enjoy a cup of tea and a quiet corner and write.
Your family has always been so welcoming to ours… it’s such a gift!
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September 7th, 2010 at 8:45 am
I love this. With a sweet 6 year old, I am experiencing all the moments you are cherishing….what an amazing journey. Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl!
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September 8th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
How sweet! Happy birthday to Laurel.
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September 11th, 2010 at 10:00 am
I find I love my children more with every year, so brithdays are not bittersweet they are celebrations of growing love–and I feel that in your words, Christine. Such love! Happy birthday to sweet Laurel!
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September 25th, 2010 at 7:31 am
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