My Family - Sophie

This is a letter I wrote to Lala in March 2017. I intend to stick it in her almost finished baby book. We read somewhere once that it is a wonderful gift to one's kids to write them a series of letters as they grow, as something to look back on when they (and you) are older.

"Dearest Sophie,

This is my first letter to you! Mummy and I thought it would be nice to write little letters to you as you grow, so that one day you can read about your childhood from our point of view.

Now you are four years old, soon to turn five next month! You are going to school full-time now, and have become quite a celebrity at your new school! We are so proud of you, for your intelligence, sweet nature, and your confidence to do new things. You are a very out-going little girl, and get on so well with everyone.

For me, you're a little diplomat, always wanting to make everyone happy, and look after others. It amazes me how you stick up for your brother Daniel, even when he is in trouble for hurting you! You have a gentle and beautiful nature, an inquisitive mind, and a loving heart. Still, sometimes you can be four going on 14, and behave like a petulant teenager! But those episodes are infrequent, and most of the time you are a perfect child. Haha, actually it can be hard to parent the boys using you as a template, as your behaviour is usually so good.

As your dad, I couldn't be more proud of you Sophie. I love you so very, very much, and want to be the best father to you I can be. I am sometimes torn between wanting to protect you and wanting to let you learn about the world as much as I can. I like to think I tend towards the latter these days, whereas when you were younger I was a lot more protective. But you are a smart little girl, and generally you know your boundaries and what you're comfortable with pretty well. 

I have enjoyed so many of our experiences as a family since you have been around; our trips to the beach, going to the playground in Malaysia, watching you learn to swim at such a young age and overcoming your fear. You have grown and learned so much, and the years have just flown past. Mummy and I are lucky that we still have a baby in the house right now, so we don't miss the past too much. But I do flick through our old photos once in a while, and have many, many happy memories of your first four years in this world. You are a bright and beautiful little girl Sophie, and your daddy loves you unconditionally."

It's amazing that this was written nine years, yet it still poignant and very valid today. My little girl, who is not at all little anymore, is one of the nicest people I know. 

I'm really happy that we are a little more grounded these days, here in Echuca, and that you have been able to make a great group of friends. Covid has interrupted that to a degree, but you do well playing with your friends online. I'm glad that avenue has been available to you. Sometimes Mama and I are a little concerned that you might be a bit lazy perhaps, but you are always first to volunteer for anything - be it gym, scouts, playground, anything. So rather than lazy, I think you're just a very content person Lala, and one who is happy to just be happy, doing whatever is available to you, and enjoying your life. You're a very clever girl, you grasp new ideas and activities so quickly, and I am very proud of your many achievements at school. You will go far in life my girl, and I intend to give you as many opportunities to do so as possible.