Happy Eleventh Birthday Lea

A birthday message to my daughter on her eleventh birthday

Today my sweet girl you are ELEVEN. How is this even possible?  I guess, I said the same thing when you turned ten.  Looking at you today, so much have changed over the past eleven years. Whenever your birthday comes along, I get a bit emotional as the memory of your birth will never leave me.

You are no longer that premature baby who I gave birth to on 22 September, weighing in at just over 2 kg.  How life has changed for us on that day; unprepared for your early arrival; we were filled with emotions and uncertainties. All we could do was to put our trust in God and allow Him to take control of the situation.

You made your entrance into this world being so tiny but yet so perfect stealing our hearts instantly.  Every new mom’s dream is to hold their new born seconds after giving birth. Instead, you were rushed to NICU where you were hooked up to beeping monitors and supplied with oxygen as your lungs were not fully developed. This is not how I envisaged your birth. The first two weeks of your life spent in NICU were literally a matter of keeping you alive so that we could eventually bring you home. You were a little fighter and we knew that you were going to be ok.

Fast forward eleven years, and you have developed into a beautiful, strong and healthy young girl. You have an infectious smile, silky soft skin and curly hair. A young girl who is so independent, has her own sense of style, and wears a size 4 shoe – good heavens.

You look like your dad and have his quiet streak and cheesy sense of humour but you definitely got your strong-will from me.  Although you have these character traits, you are not your dad and you are not me. You are still your very own person in every single way.

Your love for art, sparks your creativity and curiosity, cultivating so many new ideas that you have.  At eleven you already have big dreams for your future.  Although your dreams might change, continue to dream and don’t let anyone or anything hinder those dreams.  As I’ve told you before it is not about getting straight A’s or being the top achiever, it’s about hard work and commitment. Believe in yourself and continue to work hard and you will reap the rewards.

You no longer that gullible little girl who believes everything, you now question with confidence.  When you auditioned for your school’s talent show; you made me so proud. You had the courage to stand on the stage and sing your favourite song in front of the entire school. A young lady that is no longer shy but is gaining self-confidence.

You have a kind heart and you are respected by your peers.  In turn, you have the greatest respect for adults and your friends. Your popularity does not stem from being on the first team of a sporting code but it is due to your mannerisms. This is obvious in the many ‘awesome awards” that you have accumulated. You a loyal friend and you value your friendships as these social relationships are very important to you.

You’ve taken on the role of big sister and your love for your younger sibling is evident. The two of you are besties, she learns from you and looks up to you. Although she annoys you at times, you still her confidant and defender.

You have a sensitive side to you. It saddens you when people and animals get hurt. You cry a good cry for a movie. My girl don’t let anyone tell you that sensitivity is a weakness.  It means that you are in touch with your inner most feelings, that you are empathetic and that you are aware and perceptive of what is happening around you.

Continue to enjoy your childhood, treasure your innocence, be carefree, laugh out of your belly, be happy, play and explore for as long as you can. These are the memories that will stick with you forever.

It freaks me out to think that in two years you will be a teenager and in ten, you will be turning 21.  It’s a no-brainer, time surely does not stand still. I think what freaks me out the most is the fact that you are growing up and as time passes by you will no longer be that “little girl”.

We are extremely proud of the young lady that you have become.  Stay true to yourself and live your best life. Trust God and believe He has good plans for you. Know that we love you and will always be there to support you. Wishing you a happy eleventh birthday, my precious and continue to shine.

With all our love, Mom, Dad and Mika xxxxx