Dear Maisie,
How do I sum up 8 years with you. To be honest, I barely remember what life was like without you. 8 years of highs and lows. Of firsts and lasts.
The first time you looked up at me with those big brown eyes, first time you walked, got stung, fell down, touched the sea. The last time you wore your baby slippers, your sleep sac, wore diapers. The first time you smiled, talked, danced, sung {you were always singing}. The last time I breastfed you, bottle fed you... fed you with my hands. The first time you wound up in the Emergency Room, got immunized, read a book, made a friend. First birthday photoshoot, first day of pre-school, kindergarten, grade one, grade two. Your last day of preschool, kindergarten, grade one. The first wedding I photographed after having you {first time pumping milk in the car/bathroom/bushes wherever}. My first truly sleepless nights/weeks/months. 8 years filled with firsts and lasts. 8 years of adventures, and unexpected joys and experiences. 8 years of getting to know you. Of laughter, tears, drama, excitement, epic pouts and charming all the creatures. 8 years of beautiful surprises and meaningful experiences and moments. 8 years with you Maisie. I feel like the luckiest human being on earth. You make everything better. You make me better, want to be better, try to be better. I am constantly in awe of the amazing being you are, mesmerized by your kindness, compassion and grace. You are vivacious, creative, thoughtful, smart, witty and sharp. How much can happen in 8 years. How deeply grateful I am that you chose me to be your mom.
May your life be filled with light, love, conviction, strength, bravery and the unique power and gift to be vulnerable enough to live in your own way, on your own authentic path. May you always be able to be you. I tell you all the time, but feel I should write it here too.
You just be you. You don't need to DO anything for my unending love. Nothing. Not a thing. Just be you. Stay kind, be awake, be aware, help others, use your beautiful gifts to bring the world what only you can bring. Use your you. Be Maisie. But clean up after yourself, don't be rude, be quick to right your wrongs and be humble. Be polite, but stand up for yourself and those around you. Make magic. Be magic. Shine on beautiful soul.
You are so very loved my remarkable girl.
xo mom
