My dearest Katie,
Every year, before I write my birthday letter to you and Patty, I start with looking through the many pictures I’ve taken of our family. I would pick out several, starting from last year’s birthday till the most recent.
But this year, I took a lot of time, because I also looked at photos from when you were a baby. Today is a milestone: you are now five years old!
And oh, how you’ve grown from the chubby-cheeked happy baby to this gorgeous little girl today!
There’s been so many changes we’ve seen in you since last year. Although you need some more help, you talk so much better now. You still love singing and dancing. You love moving about, running around in the playground, zooming off on your scooter and now, we think you are ready to ride a bike (we hope you love our gift this year).
The teachers at school say that you’ve been playing a lot with Patty and been really affectionate towards your sister. This is so wonderful to hear. At home, we’ve seen you hugging her and telling her “I love you”. Patty just loves it when you do that to her. We hope you continue to love and play with your sister. She’ll be your friend forever.
Katie, this year, there is a nasty virus going around the world. For a few weeks this past summer and fall, New Zealand went into lockdown. Remember when you and Patty didn’t go to childcare for quite a while? We all stayed inside the house so we didn’t get the virus. At home, we did lots of playing, but we managed to take a walk around the neighbourhood too. We could tell you got bored for a bit at home, so we were glad that school eventually re-opened and you were able to see your friends and teachers again.
Daddy and I wanted you to have a big birthday party to celebrate 5 years old. But ultimately, we decided against it, because of this virus. Not to worry. Next year, we will celebrate your birthday in a big way!
At five years old, you are supposed to leave childcare and move on to Primary School. But Daddy and I decided for you to stay on just a couple more months at childcare, and we’ll do several school visits to help you get used to “Big School”. You’ll have new friends, new teachers and lots of new things to learn, so we hope you’ll love it when you start next year.
This year, the doctors said you are in the Autism spectrum. This made us sad for a little while, but it is something that we’ve suspected for some time, so it is not a biggie. It just means that you will learn and do things differently than other kids. Some things may be harder for you to do. But Daddy, Patty and I, plus your teachers and our friends will help you. It’s going to be a tough, uphill journey, but I am confident that you are smart and determined, you’ll grow up to be a great person.
These are exciting times, my beautiful girl. There are so many changes coming up. Just know that we are always here with you, helping you to be the best person you can be.
Always with love,
Mummy
