Kennedy's 5th Birthday Letter

In just a few short days my little princess will be turning 5. Another birthday means another birthday letter so here it goes:

Dear Kennedy,

It seems so trite to say that the last 5 years have blinked away, but it most definitely feels as though they have. I blinked and you were born. I blinked and you could walk. I turned around to cook dinner and you were talking. I stopped for 15 minutes to have another baby, our sweet little Claire and you could turn a cartwheel, sing any song that came on the radio and perform at a dance recital in front of a full auditorium without imperfection. I ran to the grocery store and you up and finished three year old preschool and moved right on into the 4 year old room (damn grocery store)!

It is just so hard to believe that yet another year has passed and you are five. In some ways it feels like yesterday I saw your beautiful face for the first time and in other ways it seems like you’ve always been a part of this family, a part of me. I wish that life had a pause button, or at least a slow-motion option. I’m looking forward to the memories we will be making and the experiences yet to be had, but for right now…I wish that I could just slow things down for a few minutes. I know it won’t be long before Mom will be uncool and you’d rather go hang out at the mall then cuddle with me on the couch eating ice cream and watching Cinderella, so for now I cherish these moments.

After I put you in bed the other night I got out some of your old scrapbooks and sifted through the pages, carefully looking at each photo of you and admiring them. I smiled, I laughed, I cried…but they were happy tears. You might think that I’m crazy, but one day you will understand. My heart just seemed to be overflowing. I was relishing the memories… those first days and weeks, where I was overwhelmed with this new feeling of love; your adorable toddler days, with those cute little pigtails and chubby cheeks, driving you to your fist day of preschool wearing your little school uniform and lugging a backpack that was half your size.

During this last year I have seen the most significant changes in you, more than walking, more than talking…as these are tremendous milestones, they seem rooted in the physical. What I am witnessing now is the growth of you mind, of your heart. You are learning compassion and empathy. You are learning to give, to hurt, to be you and for that I love you even more.

You love… baby dolls, silly bands, anything pink, coloring, make-up, and jewelry. May you hold onto your glorious imagination and incredible tu-tu dances for the rest of your life. I will always be there watching you my sweet sweet incredibly sweet baby girl… When I look at you I see possibilities. You truly believe ANYTHING can happen and that is magic. The kind of magic I will bottle and do my best to sprinkle over you as you sleep each and every night. You can’t put a price on that kind of faith in the world.

I hope a day never passes by without me whispering in your ear, “You are my sweet girl” although it sounds elitist, it’s blissfully true, I fall more in love with you each day sweet girl! I smile because I am in love with you, my daughter. You make my heart laugh out loud. I love you sweetie. You see your fifth birthday is a celebration for me, too. On this day five years ago, my world was changed forever. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I truly feel like I am the luckiest woman alive! I am so proud to be your Mommy! Happy 5th Birthday Kennedy. You have so much to look forward to!

Love,
Mommy