Dear Leah,

 

It's official....you're a teenager! No matter how much we tried to keep this moment from happening, it did! One of the most wonderful things about you has always been your innocence and incredibly pure heart. Our fear has always been that this would fade as the teenage years approached, but that definitely hasn't been the case.

You are still the most imaginative and playful child we have. Though there has been a lot less playing and a lot more FaceTiming and texting these days, we still catch you channeling your playful spirit from time to time. Every once in awhile, you pull out your school stuff and transform yourself into a teacher. You are most likely to use this form of play to help reteach a concept that you've learned in school...it's your built in way of studying and practicing a topic that might have been a bit tricky at first. Or other times, you're in your room cranking up music and singing along like you're a famous star. You are also known to periodically pull out your dolls and spend time dressing them up and doing their hair. This all happens with the door closed since you love to create your imaginary world free of judgement from your brothers (who can be quite critical).

Indeed, you face the criticism of your brothers, but you don't let that stop you from being who you are. Which, by the way, might be your strongest quality as you enter your teen years. While so many girls are SO driven to define themselves by the standards set forth by their peers, you seem to be unapologetically you. You are definitely aware of all the latest trends and fads, and you seem slightly interested in following along, but more often than not, you're totally okay with just being your unique self. You stick to being simple...ponytails, comfy clothes, and no need for the name brands. You're a breath of fresh air in a world of people who try so hard to be someone they're not. We hope this NEVER changes for you!

That very quality is surely what makes you so likeable by so many people. While so many other girls your age are prone to gossip and putting others down, you seem to be one that doesn't have an enemy. You find the good in everyone and they seem to feel the same about you. You are selfless and kind. You are compassionate. You are the definition of a loyal friend. We are so proud of you for not giving into the temptation to be just like everyone else. We hope that you always stay true to who you are and you never let the world tell you who you're supposed to be. 

As you enter into this next phase of life, we are so excited to watch you grow. You are going to do amazing things. You are so hard working and well rounded. You face adversity like a champ. You have an innocence that keeps you young and an emotional maturity that makes you wise beyond your years. This world would be a much better place if more people lived the way you do. We don't know how we got so lucky to have a daughter like you, but we are thankful every single day that God chose us to be your parents. Happy birthday to our little ladybug. We hope this year is filled with all of the joy and blessings you deserve!

Love,

Dad and Mom