I’ve been away from writing for the last three weeks, and so much has happened. This space feels too small to unpack it all, but I want to share one special milestone from the past week—my little princess turned five.

I call her my princess for two very specific reasons.

The first reason stems from when she started school last year. She insisted on being referred to exclusively as “Princess Alaia.” She made this very clear to her teachers (I still hope it was a request and not a demand). Sure enough, all her schoolwork came home labelled with that regal title.

The second reason enfolds the first one within it – she knows exactly what she wants. She knew it then, and she knows it now. Although she just turned five, her mind often feels years ahead. When she sets her sights on something, she doesn’t concern herself with how it aligns with others’ opinions. Unlike my eldest, who always strives for diplomacy, this one “believes she’s royalty and expects to be treated that way,” as her sister puts it. And I admire that about her because I honestly don’t know where she gets it from.

This little girl who loves to dress up and always tries to look her best can effortlessly embody a princess when she wants to. Yet, she can also be a diva, a protector, or even a mother when the moment calls for it. She is the quintessential middle child, through and through.

I’ll never forget a week when we both came down with the flu. Even with her fever, she would climb out of bed and come over to mine. She’d tuck me in, sit beside me to keep me warm, and gently brush my hair with her tiny fingers until I fell asleep. She stayed by my side until her father came home, ensuring he received a thorough handover of my care.

If she feels her little brother is being treated unfairly, she becomes his shield, standing in the way with fire in her eyes. If he runs off during a meal, she’ll chase him around the house to make sure he finishes his food.

When her older sister is sad, she offers her comfort—holding her hand, patting her head, or wrapping her in a hug. Her hugs are abundant and unconditional, freely given to anyone in need.

In a chaotic home with multiple children, she sometimes gets overlooked. Her tantrums are the loudest, but beneath them is a plea to feel seen and loved. A cuddle can calm her right down. Once she’s settled, she’ll come to me with a heartfelt apology for stressing me out and shower me with her boundless cuddles and that precious, mischievous smile.

There’s so much I can learn from my middle child, my second-born, my five-year-old princess. She has a way of navigating life with an honesty and passion that’s humbling. There’s so much we can all learn from children about living in this world filled with hatred and anger and rage.

In a world where fairness feels elusive and ego often overshadows compassion, we can all look to children for guidance. They remind us of the goodness that still exists—their capacity to love unconditionally, their sense of justice, and their ability to forgive with open hearts, the way our God intended for us to be.

Children have the innocence, kindness and the innate ability to love without judgment. My little princess is a perfect reminder of this. She approaches the world with the belief that she deserves respect and love, but she also gives those same gifts freely to everyone around her.

Her ability to switch roles—from the nurturing caregiver to the fierce protector, and back to the playful, sparkling child—is something I deeply admire. She embodies balance in a way that adults often struggle to achieve. She knows when to fight for what she believes in, when to give in to love and compassion, and when to demand her space in the spotlight unapologetically.

In celebrating her birthday this past week, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much better the world could be if more of us embraced life as children do—with courage, kindness, and unwavering authenticity.

Happy 5th birthday, my Princess Alaia. May you always hold on to your fire, your tenderness, and that beautiful belief in yourself. You are royalty not just in name but in spirit!

Love always,