Sofia,
Happy Birthday, my not so little girl! It finally happened; you stopped calling me Mommy this year and only call me Mom now. I guess it's not cool to say Mommy in fifth grade anymore.
You've definitely started to become a young woman over the past year. You asked if you could learn to play the guitar. Madre and I thought you would enjoy it, so we talked to Owen and he agreed to teach you. You were frustrated with it at first, but you eventually got the hang of it. I love seeing you practice your guitar because you explain it to Timmy. I wouldn't be surprised if you teach him how to play someday.
Watching you and Timmy together reminds me a lot of myself with your Uncle Tim. The two of you are each other's best friends one day and your worst enemies the next. You became a big sister for the second time this year when Lexie had your little sister. It's a good thing your dad doesn't mind being surrounded by girls because he only has your brother when he needs some guy time.
We went to Hawaii over Christmas break for you and Timmy to finally see Pearl Harbor. You were excited about the trip and even more excited when Grandma and Grandpa surprised everyone and visited the USS Arizona Memorial with us. You don't get to see them very often, but you love the rare times you get to spend with them. Madre and I really hope you can start spending more time with them now that you're older.
You really grew up this past year. You're still the smartest one in your class, but you caught up to everyone and are no longer the smallest one. You were so excited when you came home on the first day of school and told us that there were four people in your class that you were now taller than. I'm guessing you'll never play basketball professionally, but you are really good at soccer. In addition to guitar, you started soccer this year. I hope it's something you stick with because you really enjoy it.
I love seeing your excitement about life, please continue to be that excited about life. You being excited about something that I might not be thrilled about makes it so much easier for me to accept whatever it is.
Love,
Mom