Dear Princess Sophia,

Tomorrow is your birthday, and you will be turning eight years old. Yup, that sounds right. I'm sure of it. ;-)

Thirteen. There, I said it. Please don't make me do it again. Honestly, you are so responsible and thoughtful, sometimes I forget you aren't even older than that. You have already achieved so much, and I could fill pages and pages with all of your accomplishments that have made me proud. I am proud of how hard you work to achieve your goals, but I am most proud of what a kind person that you are. I am glad that you work hard to achieve so much, and I am glad that it makes you so happy to do those things. What truly defines you as a person is how you treat others and the strength of your character. You are already developing into an amazing young woman, and I feel lucky to be a part of your life. I am so glad of the time we spend together and that we share our love of all things Potter and Hobbit.

I hope that you continue to work hard toward your dreams. Believe in yourself, and never let anyone else make you doubt yourself. You are such an incredible person. We all have things that we could improve. Learn to take feedback gracefully no matter who it comes from. Listen with both your heart and your head and I know you will make the right decisions. I am excited to continue to get to know you as you continue to get to know yourself. I love you so so so so so so so so much! :-)

Love always,

Daddy