It's hard to believe that tonight marks the eve of Aliyah's 7th birthday. How did this happen so fast? One moment she was this tiny baby, and now she's this tall, bright-eyed little girl who fills our home with laughter and joy. Tonight, surrounded by close friends and family, we celebrated her life and all the love she brings into ours. There were balloons, laughter, and a homemade cake topped with candles that she blew out with a smile that could light up the darkest room. As I watched her blow out those candles, I held back tears—happy tears, of course—but still, tears. Because every year feels like a gift, and each one seems to pass by faster than the last.
Seven. Can you believe it? It feels surreal to type that number. Seven. That’s practically a teenager, isn't it? I keep reminding myself to savor these moments because time moves so quickly, especially when you're chasing after three kids. I mean, seriously, where does the time go? Just the other day she was learning to walk, holding onto my fingers for dear life, and now look at her—she’s running around like a little champ, asking for things like “makeup; but not anything too highly pigmented,†which, let me tell you, is a very specific request for a seven-year-old. But hey, she knows what she wants, and that's already something to admire!
Earlier this week, Brayden—her little brother—was sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal with that slow, deliberate pace he always has. You know the one where you can practically hear the gears turning in his head as he chews each bite. I couldn’t help myself—I jokingly told him, "Oh, you'd better stop eating! If you eat any more, you'll grow, and I don’t think you should grow anymore. Stay three forever, okay?" His face lit up like a Christmas tree, and he laughed so hard that his whole body shook. Then, with a proud grin, he polished off his cereal and declared, "Mom, I'm seven." And just like that, it hit me again—time doesn’t wait for anyone.
Tomorrow, Aliyah will officially turn seven, and instead of flying back to Michigan for a big party, she wanted to spend the day visiting family and friends she's missed. We decided to honor her wishes but couldn't resist throwing in a small dinner celebration tonight. After all, how do you send off your little girl without making sure she feels loved and celebrated? Tomorrow morning, though, will be bittersweet. She'll be boarding a plane with Nana to head back to Michigan, leaving behind familiar faces and places for new adventures. I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic, knowing that this chapter is closing, and another is beginning.
I find myself torn between wanting to hold onto these moments and letting her spread her wings. It’s not easy being a mom sometimes, especially when you realize just how fleeting childhood really is. I don’t want to blink anymore—I want to soak it all in. The way she giggles uncontrollably, the way she still leans on me for hugs, the way she looks at the world with such wonder. These are the things I want to remember, the things I never want to forget.
So here’s to Aliyah, my spirited, thoughtful, beautiful daughter. Happy 7th birthday, my little love. May your wings take you far, but always remember that your heart will always belong here—with us.
With all my love,
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