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Miss Thing. You’ve been counting down to this day for weeks. Every time I had to tell you it wasn’t “the” day, you pumped your fists and gave me the “look” (lower lip, scrunched up nose, and piercing eyes). It was almost like you were trying to use a Jedi mind trick to change my answer. Sadly, it didn't worked… until today.

I woke up earlier to finish icing your cake, but heard you scream “IT’S MY BIRTHDAY” before your feet even hit the floor. I ran up the stairs to try to catch you opening up your door but you were moving too fast. Thankfully the streamers and balloons (that we had convinced you we forgot and wouldn’t be doing this year) slowed you down and I was able to see your BIG smile. Like last year and the year before that, you sat there and contemplated how to get out of your room without tearing through. You made me promise not to take them down…sometime in the next week or two I know you’ll do it yourself. You always do.

You have grown so much over the last year. You’re not just taller, but you’re now a kindergartener. I’m still in shock that you’re old enough to be walking into the same building as your big brother. It doesn’t seem possible that just a few months ago you were walking up to receive your certificate for finishing preschool. Even though the jury is still out whether or not you like kindergarten, I’m convinced you’re playing a game with us. Every morning you wake up and say “I don’t want to go to school. I don’t like school.” And then every afternoon you run into the house and can’t even get your book bag off before you’re announcing every little thing you did during the day. “Weaver World” is definitely the best fit for you and your spunky personality.

Even though snuggling with you will always be my favorite part of any day, you brighten up my morning every time you turn around and give me a little wave as you’re walking into the school. You wait until you’re a few steps in front of the car on the sidewalk and then turn and there it is. Your wave…just for me. I think it’s your way of reminding me (and possibly yourself) that you “got this.”

Little lady, you leave Daddy and I speechless or laughing constantly with your wit and humor. You have a way of weaving it into conversations that are well beyond your years. Just the other day you told Miles that he “needs to be more independent” and after I mistakenly called your poop emoji mug your Wonder Woman mug, you reminded me “poop and Wonder Woman are NOT the same.” Seriously though, thanks for the reminder J

Every single day, I ask God for patience. There has not been a day in your life that you haven’t pushed Daddy and I to be better parents. You keep us on our toes no matter what time of day. You amaze us with your drive and determination. Right now, you’re pouring so much energy into reading because there’s nothing you want more. We love that you’ve already mastered several books and every night you want to try a new one.

You are a natural athlete and have so much focus. You make playing look effortless, but I wouldn’t be honest if I told the world that I thought you loved playing sports. You had a great time playing soccer this past fall—you even scored several goals—yet I’m not sure you’re going to jump at the chance to play again next year. We hope that you will but, if not, we’ll find something else to charge your soul. And even though you lean more toward Tom Boy, there’s nothing you enjoy more than doing hair—especially my hair and all of your dolls. One day you changed my hairstyle at least six times, but I’m fairly certain the final tally was closer to nine.

I’ve already written a small book and could continue writing even more, but you’re finally asleep and I need to get some rest too. I need to be ready for whatever you toss my way tomorrow.

Baby girl, keep being YOU…you are smart, brave, kind, loving, sassy, relentless and loud. You are tremendous. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

I love you to the moon and back.

XOXO,

Mommy