Happy birthday Sydney!

Sydney turns 11 today. 

Sweet girl you are 11 today. It's not been a great birthday - since both Mom and Dad got COVID 4 days before. You have been so gracious as we try to get better. You worry about us and don't even complain - which breaks my heart even more about your amazing heart. 

A friend of mine posted this about her daughter - and it totally reminded me of Sydney. 

For me, the changes happen so slowly, so gradually that I barely notice them as the days, weeks, months and years pass. Then I capture a frame of my baby, my first born, and there, frozen in a moment I see much more clearly. I see that right before me stands a young lady now. Gone are the chubby cheeks and chubby knees toddling toward me with arms wide open ready to be scooped into my chest. Gone are the short, wispy curls sprouting from her head. Gone is the dainty and gentle baby mouse voice she would use to call my name. 

And in their place I’m stunned to see this beauty, this whole entire being, separate from myself, yet somehow still connected as we were before, just different. Beautifully different. Perfectly different. Gut-wrenchingly different.

This is 11.

Sydney Jane, you truly are a rare treasure and changing and growing into an incredibly soulful and wise young lady who cares and feels so deeply that it sometimes feels too much for you. 

My heart beats for you baby girl. I love you. Happy birthday.