Dear Sophia (favorite nicknames: Bug, Goose, Pumpkin Pie, Love Dove)
Eight feels important. You are blossoming into a compassionate, thoughtful, and delightful conversationalist.
Just this past week I really enjoyed taking you out for your birthday to the trampoline park, and to Ikea for dinner as we got to have uninterrupted one on one time to discuss what you are interested in and what you are doing at school. We also got to play the music extra loud in Ikea with the sample speakers for sale.
You are a wonderful mix of sweet young kid, and maturing young lady. You are silly enough to put a bucket on your head to make your siblings or parents laugh, but are often the first to help when a baby falls down, or offer to help me take out the trash and recycling (even if the second motivation is that it means you get to stay up an extra 15 minutes).
Your second grade teacher Ms. O’Connor has commented on how sincere and compassionate you are in class, with others, and as you learn. This is something your mother and I are very proud of about you.
You work hard, and play hard. You want to try it all, and try one of each.
This past year has been a little unusual with everything going on around the world with the pandemic, but you have largely embraced what we can do-- exploring the woods, swim lessons, riding your bike, building pillow forts in the living room, and playing in our backyard. The one area you have been missing the most has been more chances to interact with more people. You love going into stores, going for a walk, playing on a playground, or going to school because that means a chance to interact with people—as you are a true extrovert.
We are grateful for the people in your life that have invested in you this year- spending Wednesday afternoons with Susan, Zoom tea parties with Aunt Aimee and Zoom hot chocolate with Audrey, special lunches with Carolyn, and car rides with Jean Philippe. We are looking forward to many more adventures with people in person during the coming year.
You have started to explore the world of reading chapter books by yourself, and love listening to audio books. We pray that that this love for learning and curiosity only grows.
We love you and can’t wait to see what God has in store for you next.
Love,
Daddy
