This was written the night before her 4th birthday in February 2021.
Dearest Aazeen,
Here we are again, it only feels like yesterday that I was writing to you on your third birthday – I always start off with this line don’t I but it’s true.
The last year has been crazy to say the least and you’ve tackled it head on and strong. Remember that virus I told you about in my last letter? Well a year later it’s still here which has changed so many lives, routines, including our lives.
We’ve pretty much spent the entire year at home, by each other’s side.
What about my work?
Due to the virus, I have been working from home which has meant more time with you. It has been challenging to say the least as working 9 to 5 and making sure that you’re ok has been something I’ve been working to balance but I couldn’t have done it without your support – I never really knew how that at such a young and tender age you could be so understanding of everything.
Despite the crazy year that it has been, there have been exciting moments too – you sat on the aeroplane for the first time! We went to Pakistan for 3 weeks which turned into 6 weeks because of the virus, it seems to me that you really came out of your shell during this trip.
You also started nursery in September 2020! You walked in like a trooper shocking us all, you were most definitely ready for the big world.
At the moment, you want to become a Doctor during the day and an Astronaut at night and I can’t wait to see what an incredible human being you will turn out be.
Not only you like to help others but you’re obsessed with anything outer space and I promise you that whatever you decide to be, you will always have my support.
Hearing your stories about what you do at school and who your friends are is always a delight.
It’s been amazing to see your confidence grow and hear your voice, you’re now fluent in both English and Urdu, how fabulous is that? To the point where you tell us what word is in English and what it’s translation is in Urdu!
We also had an attempt at homeschooling for a while when the schools had shut because of the virus. It was a hit and miss because I had work to do as well but we got through it and now you’re back at nursery and thriving.
You’re little bookworm just like me! I get so happy watching you so interested in reading. Even though you can’t read the exact words yet, hearing you make up the stories from the pictures always has me in awe. Your favourite story being none other than The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
You know your days of the week and the months of the year already in the correct order – I don’t think I did when I was your age? Which brings me onto how you remember everything, you will remember things that happened over 2 years ago that I had forgotten, remember where and when a photo was exactly taken… how on earth do you that?
No doubt the past year has been emotionally difficult – there have been ups and downs, we’ve had big changes in our little family but you’ve tackled it all so bravely, I’m so very proud of you.
But do you know what my most favourite thing of all about you is? When you randomly come to give me a hug and say I love you – I don’t think it can get better than this.
Thank you for being a part of my life, baby girl.
Lots of love,
Mummy x
*~*~*
I started writing to Aazeen from her first birthday, a little tradition I hope to carry on every year which in itself has turned into a series on this blog – do you have any traditions that you’ve started?
Dear Daughter: Now That You Are Two!
Dear Daughter: How Are You Three?
What a beautiful letter to your daughter. That’s so sweet she likes space! Such beautiful photos as well. Happy birthday to her xx
This is such a heartwarming letter and it’s really nice to hear that your daughter is turning out to be a bookworm like you! Your website is absolutely beautiful😊
Ohh I love this tradition! Might do it for my son! What a lovely lady you have.
Corinne x
What a beautiful post and a beautiful letter to show your daughter when she’s older. Love the photos too! Doctor by day and astronaut by night?! She’s already ambitious and I love it! Happy 4th birthday! xxx
This is such a lovely post, and I think this is a great idea for any other parents 🙂 thank you for sharing x
Such a lovely letter to your daughter! Hope she had a great day x
This is such a lovely post and a beautiful heartwarming letter for your daughter to read when she’s older. Love that she wants to be a doctor by day and an astronaut by night. I hope she grows up fulfilling all her dreams. Wish her a Happy birthday 🥳
I love this! How special these letters will be to your daughter one day- what a gift! Thank you for sharing. 😊
How lovely to have this tradition for you and your daughter. I think it is a wonderful idea that will connect you both as she grows. Thank you for sharing this, it was beautiful!
Ah, this is so lovely, Soffy, what a wonderful way to document her early years. And the photos are fabulous too. I love that she’s got aspirations already, that’s definitely a testament to how you’re raising her. I have a family tradition too – every year I ask Flora the same 20 questions on her birthday and have done so since she was three – when she’s 18 I’ll give her a folder of all her answers! x
Awwwwnnn! This is so sweet. This was such a cute letter. The fact that she loves space is so fab! She sounds like an interesting and sweet little girl.
This is such a beautiful post. I have a little birthday book for my children that I write letters in each year. It’s such a lovely way to record all those little things that they say and do at each age and capture those memories. It’s amazing how much children remember of things isn’t it – mine have been quite similar with being able to recall events from the past that I have forgotten too. I love that your daughter wants to be a doctor by day and an astronaut by night. What wonderful things to want to be, #MischiefandMemories
I loved your letter. How special that she can now speak both English and Urdu. I guess there have been some positives to this pandemic. Thank you for being with us on #MischiefAndMemories we hope you will join in again and remember the person who comments on the most other posts in the linky gets a link back from all three hosts. K
What a gorgeous tribute to your daughter. And that cake! It’s absolutely stunning. Loving the idea of having a collection of letters to be able to look back on in years to come. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories
I hope Aazeen has a wonderful birthday. I know the last year has been tough but the extra time with our children has been a gift. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories