This morning I pull your drawer and it barely  budges. It's packed tight with shirts that don't cover your belly when you stretch your arms above your head.

You've all three out grown last year's swimsuits. And to my oldest? Each morning when I give you the new day greeting I see that the amount of "legs" that hang off the edge of the bed has grown again overnight.

So much growing.

I'd wish for it to stop. Or even better, I would wish for a reverse in time; that we could go back to when a quick squeeze made things better -and scooping you up made you safe.

I treasure those times.

......Still there's a part of me that says, grow!

Grow taller. -Not just the kind of taller that calls for a shopping trip for new swim suits or shoes.

Grow to be a better friend,

A better listener

Grow to notice when someone is alone or down in the dumps

And encourage them

Grow to be a better learner

Realizing that school and church are places intended to enrich your life, not smother it (though the choice is yours).
Grow to be more independent, but in your growing, realize the value of friends and family who love you

-no matter what.

Grow in grace.

Your dad and I are growing right alongside you.

Grow to see beauty in strange things like sitting in silence, and even death.

The process won't always be pleasant for you, or for me.

In addition to those proud moments, when you jump and can touch the ceiling, there will be times when your growing causes pain for us both.
Ironically, the painful kind brings about the most wonder-full results.

Above all, grow to know how much God loves you.

You will never reach the heights intended using the world's measure stick.

Remember that.

Go on and grow.  And know that my heart would burst, were it not for its growing to make room to love you more- as I watch you each day.

I love you tiny and love you tall,

Mom