dearest anna {happy 5th birthday}

Dearest Anna,

I'm late again on your birthday post, but not to worry, I've made sure that I wouldn't let myself go too long before writing to you since just as quickly as you turned five, you'll turn six if I don't hurry up!

April 28, 2008 was a most beautiful day as it was the day that you came into this world!

At the tender age of five, you love: art, art and more art, My Little Ponies, Littlest Pet Shop, singing and dancing, makeup (my fault, but I don't let you wear anything except when you sneak my lipgloss from my purse or give me a kiss just so you can have some on your lips), Disney princesses, stuffed animals,  and anything colorful and sparkly.

You have a personality on you that goes for miles and miles.

All who meet you are drawn to you.

 Sometimes simple and sweet.

 Much of the time a jokester (and man, are you funny? Sometimes inappropriately so and it's all I can do to bite my tongue and not laugh!)!

You are one of the most independent 5 year olds I know.

When you are stubborn...

 boy, are you stubborn (and for the record, I do admit it's from me...there Mom and Dad, I said it!)!

My sweet girl, we have our moments. You are different than the other birds, as you should be! There are days when I wish that God would drop me a line, no a rope, or better yet, a manual for you.

There are days when "challenge" is an understatement. I am learning slowly, how to be the best parent I can be to you.

What I have always done from the moment you arrived and will do forever more, is to love you fiercely even on the hard days, to teach you all that I am able,

and to let you spread your wings...

 as you were meant to fly!

Happy 5th Birthday, my strong, beautiful, smart, funny, loving, girl!

My heart is filled with love for you, eternally.

Love,

Mommy