3monkeys

Each year, on Kelsey's birthday, I write her a letter...the collection sits in a drawer and someday I will give them to her, most likely on a milestone birthday. This year's letter is a day later...and blogged instead of handwritten.

Happy belated birthday to my sweet girl!! I can't believe that 9 years ago today, we brought you home from the hospital, not quite 24 hours old. I wish I had those early photos on disk so I could post one here along with yesterday's picture.

You have made daddy and I so proud this year with your accomplishments! A year ago, you started competing as a Level 4 gymnast, your first meet was on your 8th birthday. You were so excited to come away with a couple of 13th and 14th place ribbons. From there, you improved with every meet. Over the summer, you went to practice religiously and moved up to Level 5. You came home from your 1st L5 competition empty-handed, but your scores were high enough to make sectionals during that very first meet. In your 2nd meet, you scored over 9.0 on vault! In your 3rd meet, just about 3 weeks ago, you placed 4th overall with a score of 34.75!! In yesterday's meet, you scored 9.4 on beam which was good enough for 2nd place, and took 6th (well, really tied for 5th) overall with 34.25. Keep up the hard work, you are AWESOME

Let's talk about your grades....what's there to say but good things? Straight A's, honor roll, nothing but the best for my girl! Your teachers cannot say enough good things about you - you are kind, helpful, the kind of student every teacher wishes for.

You made your First Holy Communion last Spring. That was a beautiful May day and you looked wonderful! Since then, you have become an Altar Server and I am so proud at how involved you are in our church.

We got a puppy a few months ago, and you have been so helpful and responsible as far as taking Maddie out when you get home from school each day. We wish she would stop chewing your shoes though, especially the new ones you just got for her birthday!

Let's see, I guess I should mention your current interests....
Music - Cheetah girls, Aly & AJ, Twelve Girls Band, Kidz Bop
You informed me last week that you no longer like Disney Princesses
Clothes - Limited Too, jeans with embroidery, knit caps, boots
Toys (????) American Girl dolls, Game Boy (American Idol)
Books - American Girls, Bailey School kids
Best friends - Gianna, Jaclyn
Favorite foods - sushi, shrimp, prime rib, mozzerella sticks, Ramen noodles
Plans for 2006 - go to sleepaway gymnastics camp

That's all for now.... I will continue this letter another day!
Love,
Mommy