Dear Zahara: 7 Years

Happy 7th birthday, Zahara! What a year it's been.

This year we've seen so many changes in you. You're maturing and growing before our eyes. The biggest change is that you're now a fluent reader. It's so exciting to see your love for reading blossom. Now that your're reading chapter books (a fairly recent development), we will often see you curled up with a book on the arm chair in the living room or Adirondack chair out back. You even started a book club with our neighbors.

At school this year you also continued your Hebrew lessons. We were so proud of you when we heard the teacher say that you were one of the top students in the class, and that often you seemed even more comfortable in Hebrew than in English! Your ear for accents is incredible. It's hilarious and infuriating when you correct my very American pronunciation. 

Speaking of school, this year was a crazy one. Covid-19 interrupted life pretty dramatically this year. We started digital learning in mid-March and never returned back to campus. Thankfully, you are incredibly adaptable and didn't bat an eye at this drastic change. You handled your Zoom classes and online homework so well. We did our best to keep you on a schedule and to your credit, you did it all with (mostly) a positive attitude.

Aside from academics, you still have a lot of the same hobbies as you've always had--namely arts and crafts. You're still happiest when coloring, painting, or gluing. You've also picked up a new hobby of taking pictures. You're actually pretty good. You'll ask for my phone or daddy's phone and go on adventures narrating your way through fields and taking still shots of whatever catches you're eye. You got a guitar for Chanukah this year from Babushka and Dedushka, and for your birthday we're getting you guitar lessons! We can't wait to see your first concert.

You're also enjoying the fact that Asher is playing more creatively now. One silver lining of this pandemic is that the two of you are playing really well together. Not always, but definitely for longer periods of time. You guys make up funny games and adventures to go on together. 

We're really hoping the pool opens this year, but we don't know yet. You learned to swim last summer in Florida and honed your skills recently when we were in Texas. You're a little fish who can happily spend all day at the pool. You're getting much stronger and your form is getting better.

One funny thing is that you love animals and fancy yourself a little animal trainer. This is most evident with our neighbor's new puppy Mamba. You met her when she was an 8-week-old Italian Mastiff a month ago, when she weighed only 16 pounds. She's on her way to growing into her full 125-pound form, but for the meantime, you're convinced you're her trainer. And you know what? You're not half bad. I can't wait to see you two play together as she grows.

Zahara, you are the most clever girl. You are never one to back away from an argument, and often you'll win. You've mastered the use of logic--quite frustratingly so! You have such a big heart and huge emotions. Your desire to help others is admirable, and something we hope continues into your future. We are so proud of the girl you've become and can't wait to watch you grow. We love you oodles of noodles. Happy birthday!!

See Zahara's other birthday wishes here.