Last year I wrote this letter to my daughter Adi, eight weeks before she would become our middle child. Yesterday, home together as a family of five, on another snowy afternoon, I sat back and just watched her playing and drafted a new letter…
You are growing.
Taller. You can now reach my shoulder. You are so proud.
Stronger. “Cause I eat food that is good for my body.”
Wiser. A reader. A name writer. A builder and puzzler. Explorer.
All of this growing and I’m most amazed my the growing of your heart.
The way you reassure your baby sister. “It’s ok, Rosie. Mommy will be right there. You’re ok.” Or how you held onto her while she sat next to you in the tub today. You were worried she’d go under.
The way you check on Rose as soon as you wake up, hopping into her crib to keep her company. To play. To read her books.
The way you try to keep the peace. Letting your big sister pick a show, even though it’s your turn. Settle on yogurt for dinner even though you had your heart set on scrambled eggs but you know Mom just can’t handle cooking tonight.
The way you ask for a hug when you’re upset or starting to feel out of control.
The way you didn’t hesitate when I asked you who you loved most. “Wren.”
The way you care about and pay attention to people. You know all about the things that all of your friends love and the things that make them sad. You love to share good news and laughs with all of the people you love.
The way your smile lights up the world.
The way you whisper back to me, “You’re my treasure too.”
Where There Is Joy 
You’re my treasure. Straight to my heart. What a great idea these letters. Thinking about her gifts, her growth lessens those bumps from parenting three young ones. Sweet thoughts.
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Not only is this letter beautifully crafted and heartfelt, but it is just a gorgeous snapshot of who your precious middle child is *right now*.
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Awwwww. You find such small but meaningful moments to share about her that show how strong and caring she is. ❤️
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This is just beautiful. What a treasure to save and share with her someday! She sounds like an amazing little girl! ❤️
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This is so beautiful! What a fantastic piece to share with her when she gets older. She sounds like an amazing little girl!
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This is a beautiful letter. I love how you take the time to look at your middle child individually. It’s easy for a middle child to feel overlooked (I speak from experience), but I don’t think that will happen in your family. So sweet. 🙂 ~JudyK
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This is a lovely letter. My wife sometimes talks about being the middle child in her family and what that like for her.
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So simple yet packed with an abundance of love. It’s so important to sit and just see who they are in any given moment no matter how old they are! Agree with others that you have captured the gift of a memory with this slice! Thanks for sharing!
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Oh – how lovely to be a child and to know that your parent sees you. This is a wonderful letter. May your children always know that you see them; may you always communicate your love so well. ❤
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This is beautiful. What a sweet reminder to us all to slow down and notice the little moments of growth in our children.
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What a beautiful love letter to your daughter. It captures so much about her but also about your love for her. That shines through in every word. You, she, this letter–all treasures!
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Thank you! ❤️
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