Dear Isla,

Today you turn seven. Seven! I cannot believe how big you’re getting, but I’m so proud of the young lady you’re becoming.

You’ve become such an amazing role model this past year, not only to your peers but your family as well. You have no idea how much your sister looks up to you, and I’m so glad you and Norah have such an incredible bond. I know it’s not easy sometimes being the big sister, but you do such an amazing job.

I know every parent says this about their own kid, but you are so incredibly smart! Your desire to learn and ability to understand new ideas is remarkable and you’re going to go so far in life if you keep going the way you are.

You’ve also grown so much in dance; your passion for ballet is so wonderful and I hope you continue to have it as your passion. Dad and I love watching you perform and we can tell how much you truly love to dance.

Isla, I hope you never stop being you and that you keep being such an amazing human being.

Happy 7^th Birthday, Squiddo!

Love you for always,

Mom

Isla,

How is it that you’re now 6 years old? So many milestones have been hit in the past year; it’s hard to believe fast time flies.

The biggest, of course, is starting (and finishing!) kindergarten! I’m not going to lie, I was so nervous and apprehensive about how you’d adapt to being in school full-time, but you’ve done so amazingly well all year. From what your teacher, Mrs. Anderson, has told me, you’re kind and considerate, and very bright! You’ve excelled in reading and writing and are getting pretty darn good at math! I love hearing all about what you’ve learned and I cannot believe how smart you’re getting.

While you may not get along all the time, you and Norah love each other so much and you’re such a caring older sister. Norah is always asking where you are while you’re at school and cannot wait to join you at school one day. She truly looks up to you and I’m glad you’re such a good role model for her, even when you both get into mischief together.

Dad is one of your favourite people and you love spending time with him, whether is riding your bike or going for rides in the noisy truck. You’re the light of his life and he loves you so much.

You still love dance with a passion and cannot wait to start ballet in the fall. I’m so thankful that you’ve found something you love at such a young age, and I hope it continues to drive you to succeed in other parts of life.

You also love to create things – whether it’s art or singing made-up songs, you have a very creative mind and you always find a way to keep yourself busy.

Squiddo, I love you so incredibly much and I’m so proud to be your mom. Never stop being you, ever.

Happy 6^th Birthday, Isla! I love you!

Love always,

Mom