December 31, 2025
What a fortune and privilege it is for me to be writing these words while lying in bed and you here by my side, or rather lying on my knee while you play and talk about Pokemon. I almost never understand what you're saying when it comes to Pokemon, but I see that you speak with firmness, confidence, and a lot of enthusiasm.
This reminded me of how your eyes lit up when you caught a Shiny Pokémon for the first time; you cried tears of joy. And of course, I can't forget the scream you let out when you caught a Legendary Pokémon and ran back to the living room. All of this happened this year. You became even more obsessed with this cartoon, and now I'm wanting to buy every Pokémon figure there is so you can have your own collection.
There's a lot of talk about "having babies," but not about raising little human beings. Yes, the baby stage is beautiful; I still remember you in my arms, so tiny, that sweet smell and your soft skin. People were right when they told me how difficult, beautiful, and fleeting this stage is, but motherhood doesn't end when children turn one, and hardly anyone talks about how incredible it is to have conversations with your children, to watch them grow, the constant changes. Having you has been quite an adventure; every year I feel like I have to get to know you all over again.
You've become quite the adventurer! You learned to swim and you love it; I still remember when you were terrified of the water, haha. You learned to ride a bike without training wheels, and now you're putting all your effort into using Dad's skateboard. You're doing great!
This makes me laugh a little, but I'm jealous that you have so much more in common with Dad than with me. I suppose it's because until you were 6, you were like my doll and we shared more activities that were exclusive to the two of us.
You met your "babu" (grandmother) and aunts. You immediately clicked with her; the love you have for each other is so immense that it seems as if you were never separated by thousands of miles for years.
I'm so sorry you couldn't play football this year; I know how much you love it. I'm still working on settling into this new place and getting everything in order. It's difficult to start from scratch without any warning.
One of the things that surprised me in 2025 was your interest in learning Portuguese. It's the most random thing you've taken an interest in so far, and wow, you're doing really well! I'm amazed. You told me that for your 15th birthday you want to travel to Brazil to put your Portuguese to the test. I promise I'm already saving up for that trip so we can dance samba together.
I'm mentally preparing myself to see what surprises you'll come up with this new year, no matter what it is, I'm here for you, love of my life, to support you in anything you want (as long as it doesn't put your life or someone else's at risk).
"You is kind, you is smart, you is important"
The help
This is so beautiful. You are not just documenting the things she did as a child, but also preserving your thoughts and feelings toward her growth. Best kind of time capsule move.
Man. I don't have kids and that day seems pretty far away for me right now, but this gave me some emotion I didn't know I have. This is beautiful.
Also, not sure how into Pokemon she is (tv shows/collecting cards/playing cards/video games), but something that I think she might love based on what you say, that could also be a great bonding exercise for you to be involved in, learn to play Pokemon TCG. It's the physical card game. I used to play it with my dad and I'm getting teary eyed thinking back on the excitement from building decks, to bending the rules between us, even sometimes making a story to go along with the game.
If you get a starter deck (specifically the My First Battle deck), it's super easy to learn. Their official product guide is very helpful too. Then there's a world of memories to be made from there.
I don't work for Pokemon, I am not affiliated any way, this looks like an ad or commercial, but it's not. Your post just moved me so much that I thought back to that beautiful time and if she already loves it like you say, then this would be fun for both of you like it was for me.
Go catch 'em all!
I'm so glad these words brought back good memories for you. My daughter really likes the series and is currently playing Pokémon MMO. She also played Pokémon GO, but she's not as into the latter. Collecting cards is something we're keen on; I don't know how the card game mechanics work, but it's something that really interests us. What a lovely story you shared.