My dear angel daughter,

You introduced me to motherhood half a decade back. From the tiny bean in my womb, whom I could see only through ultrasound scan, to a dancing prancing little girl, you sure grew up fast. You have taught me a lot from smiling freely to being happy over little things. I sometimes wonder who the teacher and who the student is between us. While your physical growth brings me joy, your mental maturity never fails to amaze me.

Even as a baby, you seemed to understand and know what I needed the most. You would love me when I felt lonely, keep my ego in check when I went overboard, give me space when things get hazy, make me smile when I am sad and many more.

You have immensely cooperated with me in your upbringing. When I started to give semi solid food, I dint have to run around showing moon and stars. All I had to do was open a book, even if it was one which you have seen so many times, and you would come sit down with the book. While other kids got addicted to screen while eating, you were addicted to books and stories.

I can’t forget how you stopped feeding on breast milk. Your father would tease you that you were a big girl and should stop feeding on breast milk. You would just ignore him and carry on with your feed. Slowly you started to ask for breast milk less frequently, to the point that you would only have it while sleeping. One fine day, or rather night, I told you that there would not be anymore breast milk for you.  I was prepared for you to disagree, I was prepared to talk you through it, I was prepared to slowly wear you out of it. None of it was required. You agreed immediately and slept off beside me without even a murmur.

When your little brother came, I worried that you would not like him, as now everyone pays more attention to him than you. I would try to squeeze in as much time as possible to spend with you, so as to make sure you don’t feel ignored. However, you have never shown any dislike to your brother. Your love and care for him can be seen and felt from your eyes.

I feel guilty for not being able to spend as much time with you after the birth of your brother as I did before. Every time I had to attend to your baby brother, you would be understanding and engage by yourself. I strived to make time to play with you. But, I noticed that you preferred to play with your little cousin rather than your mother. Inspite of the fact that you both squibble like cats and dogs, you still want to play with her. Thats when I realised that my little girl has grown up. She no longer needs my company to play, but yearns for the company of kids of her age.

Now I have to learn to let you be. It’s time for me to take a backseat and watch you blossom into a beautiful flower. You no longer need my constant nurturing, but only guidance. You have grown up!