5 years ago

5 years ago.

5 years ago, we held you for the first time.

5 years ago, we fell in love (again).

5 years ago, we heard you squeak and squirm and cry,

5 years ago, we snuggled and sighed.

To my beautifully sweet and sensitive daughter, Madeline. Happy Birthday, my love. 

You're 5 today -- a whole hand! 

You are a whole lot of amazing, which we tell you all the time, but I'll write it here, too, so when you're old enough to read, you can remember:

We love the sense of calm and poise you bring to our lives, observing situations and making your own decisions; 

But that silly and spunky character! You can light up a room! (When you were a baby, we'd call it the "Many Faces of Madeline" because you were so expressive)

We are constantly impressed by how mindful and purposeful you are, you choose carefully and thoughtfully. And as you grow and gain confidence, we know you will project this with the world. 

And most of all, we admire your a generous heart and beautiful soul, the fact that you always want a snuggle, a hug, a tickle.

All this at 5 years old! Happy Birthday baby girl. You will do extraordinary things, this I'm sure.