And Just Like That LP is a Teenager
Dear LP
I write to you every year, and each year your birthday seems to come round quicker than the next. And each year I always say how I don’t know where the time has gone. How are you this old already? This year is no different. I’m not sure how you’ve got to be thirteen already. A teenager!
This year has been a great one for you. You’ve blossomed so much and I am sure you are now pretty much just a younger version of the person you are destined to be.
You have got your own style, have a really set taste in music, have been experimenting with makeup and have so many strong opinions on everything from politics to healthcare.
We have definitely clashed a lot this year as you test boundaries and start to question everything around you. But, ultimately, we love each other and you know that our family is your safe space. You can argue with us, question us and ask us anything, safe in the knowledge that we’ll still love you and care about you afterwards. It’s exactly how it should be.
You are the best company. You make us laugh, have a great perspective on everything and introduce us to new things. You are refreshing and, in your words, a little bit weird. And we love you just the way you are. You are awesome.
This year you have grown, lost more teeth and filled out. You are now very much a mini adult and when you hold my hand now our hands are almost the same size. You’re even the same ring size as me!
This year we have gone on holidays – to Potters Resort, Wales, Billund for the second time and our third trip to Florida. Wherever we go, you are a fantastic travel buddy. Asking questions, learning about places and just living in the moment. Plus, you always help me plan where to go next. We have definitely given you wanderlust.
You are very settled at secondary school now – about to go into Year 9. You go to science club and drama club, loving the social aspect of the clubs maybe even more than the subjects. Plus, you go to a youth club every week and seem to have made a really lovely group of friends at both school and youth club.
You’re still doing well at school, giving everything your best and keeping up with your peers despite being the youngest in the year. You love textiles, food tech and drama and are already trying to work out what subjects you’d like to do for your GCSEs.
You spend so much time staring at your phone, playing Minecraft and Roblox or just scrolling through trash on YouTube. You don’t have social media yet, and haven’t asked for it. Long may that continue!
Your biggest love in life is music. Taylor Swift is everything and has pretty much overshadowed every other artist this year. I was gutted to not be able to get tickets to her concerts for you this year. Next time!
You still love crochet and making bead bracelets. Nothing makes you happier than a new ball of wool or a cheap packet of beads. You are so easily pleased, so creative and really want for nothing. You are a joy.
We’ve been watching Gilmore Girls together this year and it is lovely having something for just the two of us. You’ve also been watching a lot of Star Wars and superhero shows with your dad and brother and it’s lovely seeing you all talking about the different characters, story lines and universes.
You have found a quirky love of food this year. Totchos in Florida were one of your favourite things. You love pickles and try them wherever we go and love nothing more than a cheese and chutney sandwich. You’ve also been having yogurt with all number of toppings for breakfast and love creating different assortments of snacks to take to school to graze on.
LP, you are such a light in our lives. We could not love you more and love seeing your personality grow with each passing year. You are well rounded, clever, funny and so kind. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where the coming year takes you.
Have a wonderful birthday.
Love
Mummy and Daddy x
