Dear Lexi,
ELEVEN! It’s hard to believe that we’re that much closer to
teenager-hood with our second baby but seeing how much you have changed over
the past year, I really shouldn’t be that surprised. Truthfully, I’m not sure I’m
entirely on board with all of these changes, but I know I have to continue to
step back and let you discover your own tastes and assert your own opinions
(something which you have never had a problem with truthfully!). Gone is my
little girl who chose clothes that were super-patterned and bright and colourful
(i.e. the louder, the better). Instead, you’re much more focused on what’s in
style and what looks good together – opting usually now for more muted colours
like your big sister. You two are basically the same size so you share clothes
(which is lovely, except that I’m still somehow buying two of everything). I still
see elements of your old self come through though, like your pink converse
shoes instead of the very standard black that every other tween/teen is wearing
these days. And of course, you still do love your stuffies (much as I try to encourage
you to pack some away), and you are still the best hugger around.
But you, much like your siblings, are more often in your
room, less likely to want to snuggle. You’ve mostly given up on animated/kids
movies, and love watching horror films with your father. You like hanging out
with your friends, and watching YouTube, and reading in your room. It’s fun to
watch you grow and change, see your personality continue to develop, learn more
about the person you are becoming. You are a perfectionist – and insist on always
finishing all of your homework immediately, striving to do the best job that
you can. You get more frustrated with assignments that are a bit more abstract,
with no right or wrong answer (despite the aforementioned love of asserting
your opinion, somehow it doesn’t translate into your schoolwork!) – but you have
a real knack for things that are more black and white, with a clear right or
wrong answer. You are still the best at arguing your point (Lawyer Lexi) and
once you focus on something, you FOCUS.
I love watching you grow and change, but please, please don’t
lose ALL of those quirks and obsessions (yes, maybe even the stuffies!) that
make you the funny, feisty little Lexi you’ve always been. Regardless, we love
you more than you’ll ever know and are so proud of the person you are.
Love,
Mama
