Happy 5th, Cheeky

Dear Hannah,

Today you are turning five years old. I know we celebrated officially with Dad last week, but that turned out to be such a rotten day, so we've got to make up for it today.
I cannot believe that you are five. Where has the time gone? I feel like I have barely blinked, taken a breath, and looked up to find my baby girl growing into a sweet, articulate, and sensitive little lady. You bring such a unique blend of spiciness, sweetness, and sass to the table. I know now that we were not complete until we got you.

Right now you are completely and utterly devoted to the world of Princesses. You change dress-ups literally about 16 times per day. You set up tea parties for your bunnies, and you do not have enough square footage on your body for all the jewelery you want to wear. You make sure to tell me if my outfit is not right (and sadly for me, you are usually right on).

You constantly make me laugh with the words that come out of your mouth. You have more questions than anyone I've ever met. I love that about you. I love that you think about the abstract and try to make sense of everything around you. You are so bright - I know that you will do great things.

Hannah, you came to us just as you are. I had my own ideas and plans when it came to you, but you taught me that life just can't be scripted - especially with you. I used to put you in the most adorable black turtlenecks, khaki skirts, and red-plaid dresses. You were less than a year old and would push the clothes aside in the morning and say, "No, pink!" We didn't own any pink, so how you knew about it is beyond me. But you did. You have always known what you want - and you are not afraid to go after it.

I don't know how many more years we have before you tire of my company. Right now, you follow me from sun-up until sun-down, copying me, mimicking my every move, wanting to do everything I do. I know those days are numbered, and I want to cherish every last one.

You're my little friend; my ally. I hope as you grow (and come to realize that I am quite annoying, bossy, and controlling), that we can find a common ground, and always have this special feeling between us. It's you and me, babe, in this house full of boys. We've got to stick together. I promise to always be there for you, and I want you to try and always like me a little bit - even when I bug you to pieces.

Happy five years, Sis. There's a tender little spot in my heart that was made just for you. Thanks for filling the void that I never knew was there.

Love,

Mom