Oh my sweet Sissy lou, your last birthday as a pre-teen. 12 flipping years gone in a blink! To say I am proud of you feels like the world’s biggest understatement. I don’t even think there is a word to describe how impressed I am by you.

You are for sure one of the kindest people on this planet. You have the most empathetic heart and wisest soul. You are constantly aware of how others around you are feeling, and just your presence makes others around you feel warmer. You have a light that radiates wherever you go.

You’ve grown so much, both mentally and physically. You’re very impressed by your physical growth (which is beautiful), but I am most impressed by your mental growth. Your ability to adapt to any situation, language, and country. Your openness to making all sorts of friends and try all new activities. Your adventurous spirit to jump into freezing water from all different heights. Your maternal spirit to protect and love your little sisters with all you have inside. Your creative spirit to write imaginative books, make incredible drawings, and develop clever video games/ animations. Your athletic/competitive spirit to take on new sports in a foreign language. And I think one of the biggest achievements I’ve seen in the past year is your ability to laugh at yourself, and make light of situations. This is all due to the confidence you have developed in being YOU!

Everything that makes you- you is beautiful! The ability to know this, and appreciate this is one that attracts people to you. It is one that so many people on this planet don’t have, and one that I hope you keep tight forever. You have such a healthy sense of confidence and balance of comfort with who you are, without being too cocky to learn from others. This trait attracts so many people to you, because your comfort within makes them feel comfortable. As and adult this is rare to find, and as a preteen it is even more impressive!

I say this every birthday, but every birthday it is even more true than the one before- This world is lucky to have you in it. You will light up so many lives along the way, and anyone who gets to be your friend will be better for just knowing you.

I am so thankful to have been the lucky Momma that brought you into this world 12 years ago. You’re welcome world. You can repay me by making sure this unicorn is surrounded by love and happiness her entire life. This is all i wish for you, and I know you will be. Your soul is deep, your heart is true, your mind is beautiful, and you are perfectly weird. Keep those happy hands wailing strong!!!!!!!!! LYAOFWAMHMTAFF