Dad's birthday batter blast breaky
DOUBLE DIGITS??? Where did 8 years go? The day I met Jadyn, she was turning two... I remember freaking out when Campbell surpassed that milestone. In so many ways, she is still that fearless little girl, running uphill without tiring and smiling all the way. She was rather shy, that toddler, but didn't hesitate to reach for my hand as we had our first "date" at the SD Zoo.
I really feel like until the day she turned 10, she was a little kid.. verging on tweendom...since that day.. it's full-on-fulltime fourth-grade spring fever.
Don't get me wrong, dear Jbird. You are a simple, sweet soul and you love the adventure of life. You are a great big sister. Maybe you think it's silly to play games with 3 year olds, but you make it look like you're having a ball when you play with your brother and cousin. Campbell worships the ground you walk on. He lights up and belly laughs following you around to play. You don't know how sad he is when you're not here. He will look around for you, and he says to Dad and me, "one person missing" when he tries to watch "your shows" on Disney at night...and sneak into your room to play with your stuff..
I understand that sometimes, this stage, when you're not really a little kid, not really a teen, is sometimes hard. You seem to be comfortable in your skin as you face life's unique challenges day to day. Your teachers all say you're a hard worker, and this year has been a big growing year for you at school. You have really mastered the monkey bar tricks and are super into hoops, even though the boys on the playground play a little rougher and tougher than the Wildcats did this year.
I will always support your individual style, and definitely hope I am getting enough photos of your favorite outfits... jeans (skin tight.. even if they're "skinny" , if there is any room to wiggle, you say they're "baggy"), jean shorts (trying to graduate you from the 2-inch inseams to a more "boyfriend" baggy look for shorts??) RAEN tee shirts or any sort of boyish shirts, tied to the side with a rubber band, layered over a tank... not really into sandals or flats... basketball shoes or vans that you thrash after one day are your deal... your long (Spicoli-esque at times) hair with the neon feather extension...and natural highlights that most women would pay big bucks to have.
Your dad is so lucky to have such a fearless surfer for a daughter. I don't know what he would do if you were into ballet or cheerleading (know we will support you, though, if someday you find that you want to do that.. ).. he beams with pride being able to paddle to the outside with you and envisions you being a pro one day. I have overheard you saying that's your new "what you want to be when you grow up"... I can't wait to see. It blows my mind that you charge so hard and are tireless out there trying to catch waves. I am exhausted just thinking about it... or was that from toting all of the surfing garb and kid stuff to the beach to watch? Just kidding... kind of.
I know you told everyone you wanted a sister before Leo was born. I thought that would be so awesome for you, too, to be a role model for another little girl... even though, in my heart, I knew the baby was going to be a boy. You came into my life to be "the" girl of our family...I guess I should rephrase that. You and your dad allowed me into your life... He wouldn't be the man I married if it wasn't for you. You're a bright star, Jbird..we are all lucky to have you paving the way for the Heit children. I have always been so grateful for the fact that my firstborn was never an only child, thanks to you.. and now Leo, makes us five. Lead strong, Jadyn. I know you will...I am so excited to see where the next eight years take us.
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