My growing child, my heart often aches when I look at how big you have gotten. You aren’t a baby anymore, you’re a whole kid. You are your own person, with your own thoughts and feelings. You have your own friendships, and interests. 

Parts of me realize you don’t need me the same, but deep down I know you need me all the same. And I’m realizing, that in all of these changes, my love for you is also a like. 

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Because now we can connect in a whole new way. The scales have shifted from a little less hands-on caregiving to a little more connectedness and even more relational. We can have deeper conversations, play games together, watch movies, and have more shared interests. 

I have always loved you more than words, from the second I learned you were you, but I also like you because you are you. 

I like being with you. I like creating with you. I like trying new things together. I like challenging ourselves. I like the personality you have developed. I like watching you navigate the world and helping to guide you as you share your light. 

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My dear, I love you, and I like you. And maybe in each new phase, I will still be a little sad about the one that has passed, but I won’t be scared for you to get older anymore because I am excited for all that is to come. 

Because, my not-so-little one, I don’t just love you, I like you.