Happy Birthday bug! Hard to believe you're 5! I know people say this all of the time, but it really does feel like yesterday that I was resting smoothies and snacks on my giant belly, just killing time waiting for you to arrive! I remember the day after you were due, crying to my mid-wife that you just needed to get here already. Not only was I fat and uncomfortable, everyday you were late was a day less your Dad was able to spend with you before he left the country. She worked some magic and that night I went into labor. Your Dad was watching a Mariner's game that just so happened to go into extra innings- 16 to be exact. Ken Griffey Jr. was up to bat and that's when I told your Dad we HHHAAAAAAD to leave right that second. From the time we left the house and got into the car, Griffey won the game for us 1-0 in the bottom of the inning. That game made history for the Mariners and your Dad loves baseball, so he was pretty bummed to miss that play. But I was just certain you were about to fall out any second. Little did I know you would wait hours and hours before deciding to enter this world!
I'm sure you inherited my stubborn streak.
August 13th was the day you chose to make your grand entrance. Which happens to be one year to the day that your Dad and I lost our very first baby. You turned a sad day into such a lovely one for us sweetie, so thank you. You also share birthdays with two of your Great-Great Grandmothers. So even though I was dying to get you out weeks earlier, you picked a great day to be born.
In the past 5 years you have been my world. We spent your entire first year alone, just the two of us. For such a small human back then, you carried so much strength. I'm very strong, but I looked to you often when I would have bad days and you always made it better. Holding you, hugging you, hearing you laugh or just watching you sleep would always give me the pick me up I needed. I am forever grateful for the joy you've brought into my life, and am so thankful that ahead lies a lifetime of making memories with you. Living so full of love, laughter and fingers crossed- pooping alone on the toilet....for both of us actually. Bathroom privacy, or lack of, is something most moms miss. We also love the moment our kids are self sufficient on the throne in regards to #2. When you're a teen and get mad at me for saying no to something (trust me all kids do this) just remember....I've had your bodily fluids on my bare hands more times than I'd like to ever admit, so it's within my "Mom rights" to say no every so often.
You are always the silly, kind, goofy kid that gets along with everyone. Your raspy little voice always makes people laugh and you have such a creative imagination. I love watching your little mind work.
Because I love you so much, I wish I could be a sponge for you that absorbs any pain you may experience in life, especially with the major transitions happening for us right now. However, I know being a good parent doesn't mean shielding you from every hard time life throws your way. I just hope at the very least, you feel 10x the amount of love as you ever do pain. I know you are too young to understand the why's behind all that's happening right now. Regardless of it all, your Dad and I love you and your sister so much and will always find a way to work together to benefit the well being of you both.
Thank you for hiding stuffed animals in my bed so I don't have to sleep alone when you are away and the house is empty. Thank you for always waking up and being so cheerful, saying things like "Wake up! It's a good morning day!" Thank you for growing so fast. I'm sure you'll be taller than me soon, which is good. I could really use some help reaching the upper shelves. Most important of all, thank you for just being. Your existence alone is such a gift in itself.
I hope you read all the letters I've written you one day. Your Gigi did the same for me, and I hold those so close to my heart. You and your sister are all I'll ever need. The two of you complete me in a way I never thought possible. When you have little midgets of your own, you'll understand exactly what I'm saying. I hope you continue to grow with your chin up, some sass in your pants, and with kindness in your heart.
It's been an honor being your Mom thus far and I am so excited for what our future holds. I super love you kiddo.
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