5th Birthday Letter to Claire Brooklyn

Claire Brooklyn,

You’ve done a lot of growing up this year. You’re leaving the shell of your toddler years behind and you’re headed straight into kid territory. It’s kind of terrifying and exciting all at once.

As a mom, there’s this small side of me tangled up in emotions about the reality that most of your life lived so far you’ll never remember when you’re my age. And that’s kind of sad when I think about it. All the cuddles we’ve shared and giggles we’ve delighted in, you won’t remember when you’re older. Some of the best moments of my life shared with you, won’t really be a part of your memories.  Thank goodness for SCRAPBOOKS!!!!

I asked you what five felt like. You thought a moment and said, “it feels like four.” Congratulations. You’ve discovered the meaning of life about 30 years early.

I asked you what wish you want to make this year that’s not a present. You said you wish that everyone in the world loves each other as much as they love their kids.  Wise beyond your years my little princess!!!!

 My Birthday wishes for you…
I wish you remain the loving, honest, funny, wise, kind, compassionate person of integrity that you miraculously are today. I wish you remain the person with the strong moral compass who tells me solemnly when someone cuts in line.

I wish you remain the person who sobs uncontrollably when you think you have done something bad, not because you think you have disappointed us (or because I want you to cry), but because I think in your heart you know when you disappoint yourself.

I wish you remain the person who dances when the music stops, sings your own lyrics, and makes up your own 18 syllable words. I wish you remain the person who thinks every movie she sees is the very best one ever made. (It does make it a lot easy to find something to watch on a Saturday night.)

I wish you remain the person who takes care of your dolls as if it really, really matters.

 I wish you remain the person not afraid to one-up your dad with silly jokes.

I wish you continue to hug with your entire body.

 I wish you never stop kissing me on the lips, even when your brother makes a face.

Most of all, I wish that forever you remain the five year-old Claire you are today ,because she is spectacular.

Happy fifth birthday my sweet girl. You make me whole in so many ways.  Who knew a heart could love so much?  It took becoming a mother for me to understand love like this.  Thank you, Claire.  I love you through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow, too.

Love,

Mommy