Dear Izzy,
You’re in double digits now. Ten sounds so grown up. The memory of meeting you for the very first time is so fresh, the mess and magic of it all so vivid in my mind, I can hardly believe a decade has passed.
Dear Izzy,
I sense something new, something different, in the air. When everything is peaceful and still, I swear I can see you transforming before my very eyes. We’ve been here in the past, together on the brink of great change. I’ve come to realise that motherhood is littered with moments like this. Just as everything begins to feel familiar, my life can be turned upside down as I watch you drift into the next stage of childhood. It can be hard to stand back and let it happen, but I know I must.
Dear Izzy,
Stay passionate. I love your enthusiasm for life and the things you love. You don’t just read a book, you devour it. It’s never just a story you’re writing, it’s a novel, a play or the prose you are sure will make you famous. Nothing ever feels mundane or ordinary. Whether you’re tasting food for the first time or visiting somewhere new, you do it all with such joy.
Dear Izzy,
Growing up is hard to do. Fitting in can feel like the most important thing in the world, even if it comes at great expense. I’ve watched you struggle with this already and I know there’s more to come. All you can do is try to stay true to who you are and what you believe in.
Dear Izzy,
Keep trying new things. Be fearless. I can hardly believe how sporty you’re becoming, but I’ve enjoyed watching you fall in love with both judo and netball. I have such admiration for your energy and enthusiasm.
Dear Izzy,
Your dedication to theatre and the performing arts remains a constant in our lives. Maybe one day I’ll learn not to cry whenever I see you on stage, but until then your obvious natural talent and unwavering desire to learn will continue to make my heart sing.
Dear Izzy,
Keep that fire in your belly. I’m sure it’ll give me sleepless nights and countless grey hairs in years to come, but you’ll need it if you’re going to chase those dreams.
Dear Izzy,
Know that we love you. Always, and no matter what.
Happy birthday baby girl.
Love Audrey xxx
PS. This post was partly inspired by the beautiful letters Emily Quinton writes to her children on their birthdays. You can read my previous birthday letters here, here and here.
Your style of writing is just lovely Frankie. You are doing an amazing job, keep it up. x
Thank you Bran, that’s so kind of you to say.
Ever since I only half completed Winnie’s baby book I planed to write her (and then Stanley) a letter on their birthday. I have never done it. Winnie is 6 in 2 weeks and I WILL do it this year.
Thank you for the reminder. This year I am going to be more than good intentions.
I’m sure Izzy will treasure them as she gets older. Beautiful.xx
I only started writing these in 2013, so I’d say it’s never too late to begin memory keeping for our children! This year I’m going to print them out and add them to a scrapbook I’m making too. I hope you enjoy writing yours!
xxx
Beautiful letters… She will be so proud to look back at them…Thank you sharing this xxx
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Thank you for reading Charlotte! xxx
This is so beautiful!
Thank you xxx