Today she is 5. An age she’s been counting down to be…“Am I 5 tomorrow? Or the next day after the next day after the next day?”
Five is a milestone, in many ways, for both of us.
For me, I’m that much older and removed from the baby making phase of my life. That ship, long sailed.
For me, it’s not only watching but letting you do your own thing, like your hair styles. You no longer want me to put your hair in pigtails and forget about bangs. You told me (didn’t ask) you were growing “these things long” when you were barely 3.
For me, it’s often buying new shoes because you outgrow them faster than you wear them, and missing the times when I not only couldn’t keep socks or shoes on your tiny, tiny feet, but you didn’t need them because I mostly carried you.
For me, it’s relishing each moment you gain more independence, but wishing for the moments when you needed only me.
For me, it’s realizing that while you will always be the baby of the family, you are now such a big girl.
For you, it’s excitement over starting Kindergarten soon, and doing your own homework.
For you, it’s about being “big”, and faster and stronger to keep up with your brother and being “big” like him.
For you, it’s about being the same age as your best friends from school.
For you, it’s about the birthday crown your teacher made, the cupcakes and pink pancakes I made you for breakfast, the Barbie fashion show dress up singing and dancing birthday party.
For you, it’s not just instinctively knowing what you want; be it to wear, accessorize, eat, listen to, read, learn, but being able to express those wants clearly and be understood.
Five is a milestone, in many ways, but for both of us, no matter how old, wise, big, smart, sassy, or far away you are, you will always be my baby, my little shadow.
So today you are 5. And we celebrate you.
Happy birthday to my favorite girl in all the land. I love you, love you, love you, baby doll.