on your 12th birthday...

dear iris,
why am i writing this on my blog, you say? why can't you just write it down on a card like normal people do?
you know me. i'm not normal...and...I thought it might be good for everyone (well, ppl who check this blog) to know just how special you are. and you know...you're an occasional writer on here=)
i know that growing up isn't easy, especially since you live in a house full of weirdos. there are times where you're going to be so frustrated with the world; times where you'll just want to walk away...but, let me remind you...sticking it out is always more rewarding.
you know what's incredible about you? you can ALWAYS make me laugh. i think you're the funniest person i know! your sense of humour is so witty and dry - it makes me feel ok to be me...to be dark and cynical and still laugh in the end!
i'm glad that you still let me hug you...and make a mess of your hair...and that you think i'm "cooler" than dad (clearly, since i do not eat pizza with chopsticks).
on your 12th birthday, i want to let you know that you are beautiful and smart, and everything in between. i know you're going to think i'm cheesy, and sometimes i can be...but iris, you're perfect just the way you are. i hope you remember that.

*don't hit me too hard when you see this*

your sister, butterball