To Stella (almost 6 3/4)

In a few short days, days that will pass all too quickly, you will officially be 6 3/4. But, in the past two weeks, you suddenly feel and seem like you are ten. Of course, you are tall for your age but it is more than that. Your face has changed so you look as much like a teenager as you do like a little kid. But it is really in your attitude and demeanor. Although you can revert to toddler in a split second without warning, you generally possess a wisdom and maturity that belies your years. Also this means you sometimes get mad at me, run into your room and slam the door. I'm sitting upstairs at Chelsea Piers right now alternately writing this letter and watching you do gymnastics. This means that after your class you will yell at me for being on my iPod the whole time. But I really am watching you. In fact, it was watching you that inspired me to take this moment to write in here. After completing a floor exercise, you were jumping up and down on some mats and you just looked so happy and energetic and young, like a six year old with this infectious enthusiasm and joy and I wanted to write so that moment would be captured. I hope you never lose your playful, enthusiastic spirit and I relish those moments when you look and seem so carefree and happy. Because you now have more moments of being so self-possessed and mature, I treasure the glimpses of child when I catch them. I love you very much. Love, Mom