My darling Miriam

It's your turn! It's your birthday today and here are some words, right from my heart, to you.

Miriam you are a joy, and utter delight. You love potter about and whenever we ask you something you run off to do it with the beautiful refrain of "okay". Nothing is a problem and everything is okay. That is, of course, till it's not! You have an iron will, you know what you want and nothing will get in your way. I love this about you, you are very sure of yourself. I hope and pray that no-one that will break your spirit. That you maintain your sense of self and stay sure of your place in the world. It probably would be worth learning to tell others what you want with a little less screaming though, you have a very loud scream! I suspect it's a side effect of making yourself heard of the energy of your big sister and demands of the baby, though!

I love watching you play with your sisters, particularly Naomi. The two of you play these beautiful games of imaginary play that are wonderful to watch. You play doctors, or princesses, or Mummies, or pretend to play outside when you can't get out for some reason.  You love dressing up too. Princesses are a favourite, along with your "clip clops" (plastic dressing up shoes). But doctors, pirates, cats, anything will do.

pirate Miriam

You are so comfortable in your own skin.  You miss Naomi while she's at school but you are happy to play by yourself, making up a story with our Peppa pig characters or our dolls house, or our happy land thing, making up adventures for the to go on and places for the to visit.

You are patient, oh so patient. You will sit and do a puzzle, you will sit and colour in, you will sit and look at a book. I am learning not to take advantage of this. To not busy myself with jobs while you amuse yourself but to take the time to sit down with you and play or read a story. You are a lot of fun. I really enjoy playing games with you. I will miss you lots while you are at nursery from next week!

Your bring joy to a room by playing, or dancing, or singing. You love all things musical. I suspect in time you will learn and instrument and it will bring you and others joy, the way it did for me when I was a child.  I hope you learn from my mistake, though, and choose something smaller than a 'cello! Whatever you choose, though, you will do it well. You like to see a task through, and complete it diligently. This character trait will serve you well in life. I am proud you have it.

I am praying,as your grow older, that you will always know how beautiful you are. You are stunning, but not just in your looks, but also in your personality and character. It is very easy to be proud to be your Mummy. You make my job look easy, helping you grow up is really all my privilege.  I will continue to pray that you keep growing up into a beautiful girl and then woman. I pray that your understanding of who God is will deepen, that you will learn to love Jesus for yourself, although you already love to dance for Him. I love to watch you dance for Him, it brings joy to my heart.

I love you, Miriam. I am excited for what you might become in the next year and beyond. Keep being you.

This is my prayer for you as you grow from Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.