T.M. Kayode

This post is the first in a series I intend to do yearly for my children. It is meant to be an annual compilation of thoughts that I have about them, milestones they have reached, and aspirations for the future.

Dear Dabbie,

When I think of you and observe your actions, Dabbie, I am reminded of the confidence and daring attitude I had as a teenager. It’s both amazing and unnerving to see your determination and sometimes – defiance. However, it’s also exciting because I know that God has given us the grace to raise and train you right. You have immense potential to do great things.

Year 3 was awesome! You started a new school, and you love it. You have settled into your classroom routines nicely. Your teachers love you. This school has been great for you, nurturing your independent and daring spirit. You have always been very independent, and with this new environment, you have learned so much.

Confidence and Character:

You are incredibly confident and never a pushover. You stand up for yourself with grace and assertiveness. More impressively, you advocate for the weak and those who can’t speak for themselves. Your sense of justice and fairness is inspiring.

Emotional Intelligence:

Your emotional intelligence is surprisingly advanced for your age. You understand not just your own emotions but also those of others. You show empathy and compassion in a way that is beyond your years, often comforting friends and family when they need it most.

Your Vocabulary:

Oh my, your vocabulary has improved a lot. Your speech is clearer, and you surprise us constantly with the sentences you put together. I think you might make a great lawyer someday!

Friendships:

You have made wonderful friendships this year. You love to talk about your friends at Redbud, Blue Beech, and Aftercare. Playing during aftercare is something you look forward to every day.

Great Big Sister:

You are such a great big sister. We wondered how your interaction with your baby sister, Tiara, would be. We prayed about it, and we are grateful that God answered our prayers. You are the best big sister. It took you a little while to learn to share, but I love it when you notice that Tiara would feel better if you gave her a toy, and you go out of your way to make her happy. I also love that you understand her babbles and can tell what she wants.

Activities You Like:

You love to build with anything: magnetiles, Legos, blocks, etc. And you create really nice structures. You have a good eye for symmetry and structure.

Love of Animals and Creatures:

You love animals—dogs, bugs, worms. You actually take care of them well. I don’t know where you got it from, but it’s wonderful to see.

Things You Need to Work On:

Patience. Girl, you need to work on your patience!

As we look forward to another year, I am excited to see what new milestones you will reach and how you will continue to grow. Remember that you are loved immensely, and we are always here to guide you.

Love,

Mom and Dad