10 years old Zoe, and here are all the things I need you to know:

Happy birthday beautiful girl, I cant believe how quickly this has come by and just how much you've grown up over this year. 

 

You're 10 now and we're starting to navigate through some hard lessons and learnings. There's a lot I need you to know now while you still listen to my thoughts and opinions, and this birthday blog is going to be just that, a list of all the important things I want you to cling to as you navigate the next few years. 

1. Don't be the pretty girl who just sits there, you have a voice, use it, be the girl who runs the world

2. It's far more important what's on the inside than what's on the outside - don't waste all your time perfecting the outside and neglecting your insides 

3. I will love you and be here for you until my last breath, you can always turn to me

4. People will put you down, talk behind your back and make you feel insignificant and small, don't let them ruin you, don't let them change who you are

5. Use your voice, be unfiltered and loud

6. Nobody knows what they are doing 100% of the time, don't expect that you should either

7. Make many mistakes, but always learn from them

8. Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve

9. Pick your battles

10. Don't make yourself smaller because of others insecurities, their insecurities are their problem not yours. 

If you can take these things and remember them every day then the next few years may just be a little kinder to you. You are such an amazing kid Zoe, you have a spark in you that shines so brightly and I never want to see it dull. 

You've really come into your own this year, you still struggle with being the only girl but having a good group of friends around the street and from netball has helped you worry less about inclusivity with Cooper and the twins. 

You still love to compete, making zone for swimming this year was a real surprise and you did so well. Cross country and Athletics is just around the corner again for school and you're really excited about that. This year both Teulia and yourself tied for the merit award at athletics, the two of you outshine everyone else in your age group and it's probably time we think about moving you back into Canberra for competition if you are still as keen about it next season, though I know you've made some lovely little friends at the stormers. 

Netball has really helped our relationship, the forced 1:1 time you get from me while we are at carnivals has really been good for us, surprisingly you are even liking having me as your coach this year. 

 You changed soccer clubs this year, Mum is still insisting you don't change to all girls teams and first game in you showed the team what you're made of. Despite you confiding in me  you were nervous because you "didn't think you were one of the best players in this team" you kicked a goal and stuck with them. This team will grow your confidence, you'll learn more and it's clear to them now that you can and will keep up with the boys. 

Academically you are smashing it, you've gained so much confidence through changing schools and you've caught right up to where you should be and more. Getting you to read is still like pulling teeth though you do occasionally pick up a book for fun.

You still love the beach, and body boarding every chance you get. This is probably where you feel closest to Coop, out in the surf where it's just you two catching waves and looking out for one another. Holidays with you guys are so wonderful now. 

You're learning having to navigate through unwanted attention from boys. You have more than a few admirers (or so you tell me and honestly who can blame them) and you just aren't there with admiring them like that yet. You are learning that being honest about your feelings is important and setting good friendship boundaries can be hard when someone "likes" you.  You don't let silly school yard crushes stop you from being who you are or stop you from doing what you want to do. Don't ever let that change.

Nothing about you is timid, your tenacity is my favourite thing about you. I love you Zoe. you honestly make me proud every single day. Happy double digit birthday.

You Love: Your friends, netball carnivals, being active, drawing and time with family

Your Best friends are: Teuila, Emmy, Ruby, and Alicia

You play: Athletics, Soccer and Netball and you are still smashing goals with each of them

Your Favourite food is: tuna mornay. 

You hate: Not being able to do the things Coop can because he is older

You want to be: an Athlete and a singer

You have: lost 8 teeth - still holding out on braces for now.

The most memorable events for you: Winning Players Player for the u11 white netball team at the end of 2022. Getting your own little ATM card. Having a go on a biscuit behind a boat on the lake, Stand up paddle boarding with friends at a party and coming top 10 state wide (ACT) for cross country. 

You are:   136.2cm tall

You weight: 30 kg