friends and independence

Dear Pia, 

Your Papa and I are no longer your sole influences. I watch as your friends become more and more important to your life. You learn and experience new things every time you see them. 

Like when Theo and Isabella changed that intimidating bouncey castle into fun. 

And how Tess and Iona showed you how to change the clock on the oven

 And how between you and Isabella (though let's face it, mostly from Issy), everyone in Kew knows you are Pia and she is Issy.

My mum said this is inevitable. That since your very day of birth you are growing independence every moment. I thought she was a bit melodramatic, but then actually, it's happening. I may have taught you to say Issy's name, but I certainly didn't teach you to wander about the house all evening going "issy. issy. issy! issy. issy..." many hours after we'd said goodbye to her. No that was your dear friend Issy, who loves you... or at least saying your name. And soon, more than Issy, you will go off to school and you will learn from teachers and classmates and you will have a whole wealth of information I know nothing about. And shortly after, you will start liking boys and keeping secrets from me.... uh oh. I think I might hug you just a few seconds longer when you wake up this morning. 

I love you,

Mama

xx