To the one who made me a mama,
I don’t know how it’s possible, but you turned 5 this week. Half a decade has passed in the blink of an eye, and before I know it, your first year of real school will be kicking off in August. The day you were born is both permanently burned into my heart and also a distant memory, all at the same time.
Five feels different than your other birthdays. Bigger, maybe. You are all little girl now, without any signs of the toddler and baby that you once were. You are fiercely independent, but you also still hold onto my shirt and hide behind me when you’re nervous. I often tell you to let go and act like the big girl that you are, but in my heart of hearts, I want to protect you forever from anything that scares you.
You’ve been going to “school” since you were 18 months old, but the idea of you starting kindergarten still feels like an enormous milestone. I am more excited than you’ll ever know to witness the adventures that surely lie ahead of you in the coming year. I know that you’ll be scared, baby girl, but I also know that you’ll move mountains. You will conquer your fears head-on, and you’ll be so proud of yourself when you do. I always loved school, and I wish the same for you. I suspect you’ll love it just as much as I always did.
Your first five years brought more smiles, laughs, and tears than I can count. It brought sleepless nights, fevers, teething, talking, and learning how to be a big sister. What will the next five bring? I can’t wait to find out.
I’ve loved every minute of the last five years (even the ones when I wanted to rip my hair out). I am more proud of you than I can ever express in words, but I hope that I’ve done a good job of making sure you know exactly how very loved you are. Thank you for making me a mommy five years ago – it’s been the wildest and most wonderful ride of my life so far.
Love always,
Mommy
