Dear Abby

Today you are five and it may sound cliche, but it seems impossible that it's been that long since you surprised us all by showing up early, quick and bum first. Okay maybe the last one just surprised me, yeah it surprised me a lot. Those last five years seemed to pass in the time it takes to blink. Already you've started talking about how next you'll be six, then seven, then eight and I gave you a big squishy hug while Daddy told you to stop getting ahead of yourself. It's going way too fast already.

This has been a huge year for you with lots of new experiences. You continue to be an amazing big sister. You cheer and applaud Maya's accomplishments, sometimes with more enthusiasm than Dad and I. We hear from your teacher that you talk a lot about "your baby" at school. In fact your teacher didn't even know Maya's name for the longest time because you always call her "your baby". Now all this isn't to say that some times you just want your own space. Then you'll close the door to the toy room with Maya on the other side and when I open the door to let her in you tell her she can stay, but she has to play in the back half of the room. Of course she never does and you never seem to be too upset when she doesn't. Maya is already looking up to her big sister and will wander around the house calling for "Ahm" if you don't seem to be readily available.

You're just getting ready to finish up your first year of school. Just nine short months ago you couldn't pick out the letter A on a bet. Now you can spell and print your own name (and some other small words). You know the alphabet backwards, forwards and phonetically. You're excited each day to go to school and every time you get off the bus the first thing you tell us is "school was fun today!" Library day is your favourite day of the week. You love books and often go to bed with several. You're just beginning to read, learning how to pick out "popcorn words" (words that pop up all the time, like is, the, a and so on).

I have said this many times, but you have a mind like a steel trap. Your ability to recall things that happened years ago never ceases to amaze your Dad and I. Just the other day Maya had a pretty big fall and while Dad and I were trying to ascertain whether or not it warranted a trip to the hospital for stitches you suggested we take her to my obstetrician that you had met exactly once in your life, two years ago when I was pregnant with your sister. Two whole years ago and yet you could remember seeing that "other doctor" with me and Granny when Maya was still in my tummy. It's an amazing gift and one that really keeps your Dad and I on our toes since we know what ever we say to you we are likely to be called on later.

You love to sing and we love to hear you sing. It's not unusual for you to spontaneously break into song whenever the fancy strikes you. Sometimes it's hymns you've learned in church and other times is songs you've heard on the radio or a movie you've seen. Many times Dad and I are left shaking our heads, unable to figure out where you've picked the latest ditty we hear you singing. We really enjoy hearing the songs you learn at school. It seems a lot of the curriculum is taught through songs which is just perfect to you. We couldn't have asked for a better start to your public school career.

This family we are a part of is such a blessing. You are the apple in the eye of many. There are grandparents who dote on you. Godparents who love you like their own. Aunts and Uncles who think you're pretty stinkin' incredible even if you sometimes get their names mixed up. Not to mention a veritable cast of dozens who think you're pretty darn charming. I am grateful every day that you know their love and wish you could have known the ones that went before you. Your Dad and I began this journey to start a family a decade ago and at times it was rocky and I cursed the route our journey had taken. And then you came along and you were the absolute perfect gift at the absolute perfect time. You and your sister are exactly what I spent all that time praying for.

Happy birthday Baby Girl.
I love you.
Mom XO