Dear Zahara,
Happy fifth birthday! Next year you're off to kindergarten. It's hard to believe that the little baby we brought home from the hospital and carted all around Europe is already five. But then again, when I watch you, and listen to you, sometimes it's hard to believe you're only five.
Zahara, this has been a great year. You've matured right before our eyes. You're still you--meaning that your spirited personality and take-charge attitude lead they way--but you have also gained more empathy and patience. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE that you are strong-willed and don't take no for an answer. Sometimes we would just prefer that you focus that attention outward instead of just on us. Truly though, it's that determination that leaves me no doubt about whether you will succeed in life. You won't accept any other outcome than success.
You're not just strong opinions though, you're also really clever. You love learning--especially languages. You just finished your second year in Hebrew immersion school where you also took Spanish lessons, and your grandparents speak to you in Russian. Funny story: I got a call from the headmaster of your school asking if I wanted to put your Spanish lessons on our tab, or pay separately. I explained to her that we decided we weren't going to enroll in a second semester which is why we hadn't paid. She informed me that you took matters into your own hands two weeks prior and convinced both your regular teachers and the Spanish teacher that they were mistaken, and you were absolutely supposed to be attending the lessons. You were so convincing that the Headmaster just assumed I had forgotten to pay.
You're also doing well with the English language. You continue to devour as many books as we're willing to read you a day. I'm excited for this next year when I think you'll start reading on your own. You can already do a few sight words (go, no, stop, dog, cat, Zahara), but I think you'll pick it up in earnest this year. Then there will be no stopping you.
In addition to reading, you could spend all day doing arts and crafts. Mostly coloring with crayons or markers, but you're happy with glue, stickers, beads, or any other craft. It's your most requested gift item.
The biggest ways in which we've seen you mature are your empathy and patience. You're having fewer tantrums, each with a shorter duration--thank heavens! Don't get me wrong. You still throw down. But it's easier to get you to calm down. And you're less violent. Thanks! You're also a lot more patient with Asher and other friends who come to play. You are a great host and love showing people our house. You share really nicely, especially with younger kids. It makes me so proud to see that side of you.
Zahara, happy birthday! We love you oodles and oodles of noodles!
Happy fifth birthday! Next year you're off to kindergarten. It's hard to believe that the little baby we brought home from the hospital and carted all around Europe is already five. But then again, when I watch you, and listen to you, sometimes it's hard to believe you're only five.
Zahara, this has been a great year. You've matured right before our eyes. You're still you--meaning that your spirited personality and take-charge attitude lead they way--but you have also gained more empathy and patience. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE that you are strong-willed and don't take no for an answer. Sometimes we would just prefer that you focus that attention outward instead of just on us. Truly though, it's that determination that leaves me no doubt about whether you will succeed in life. You won't accept any other outcome than success.
You're not just strong opinions though, you're also really clever. You love learning--especially languages. You just finished your second year in Hebrew immersion school where you also took Spanish lessons, and your grandparents speak to you in Russian. Funny story: I got a call from the headmaster of your school asking if I wanted to put your Spanish lessons on our tab, or pay separately. I explained to her that we decided we weren't going to enroll in a second semester which is why we hadn't paid. She informed me that you took matters into your own hands two weeks prior and convinced both your regular teachers and the Spanish teacher that they were mistaken, and you were absolutely supposed to be attending the lessons. You were so convincing that the Headmaster just assumed I had forgotten to pay.
You're also doing well with the English language. You continue to devour as many books as we're willing to read you a day. I'm excited for this next year when I think you'll start reading on your own. You can already do a few sight words (go, no, stop, dog, cat, Zahara), but I think you'll pick it up in earnest this year. Then there will be no stopping you.
In addition to reading, you could spend all day doing arts and crafts. Mostly coloring with crayons or markers, but you're happy with glue, stickers, beads, or any other craft. It's your most requested gift item.
The biggest ways in which we've seen you mature are your empathy and patience. You're having fewer tantrums, each with a shorter duration--thank heavens! Don't get me wrong. You still throw down. But it's easier to get you to calm down. And you're less violent. Thanks! You're also a lot more patient with Asher and other friends who come to play. You are a great host and love showing people our house. You share really nicely, especially with younger kids. It makes me so proud to see that side of you.
Zahara, happy birthday! We love you oodles and oodles of noodles!
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