You're turning five years old today Shelby and everything is ready. We've strung the streamers across the kitchen, we hung your Happy Birthday sign, we've wrapped the presents and set them on the dining room table, we've managed to transform our living space into a magical birthday room just for you as soon as you wake up this morning. It's become a family tradition to mimic the "Christmas Morning Wow" whenever a birthday person starts their day (Surprise).
You requested a chocolate cake with strawberry frosting and flower sprinkles on top. You also requested steak, corn, garlic bread and "sweet beans" for your birthday dinner. A pretty sophisticated dinner request for a five year old, I think. Although you asked for a cell phone for your birthday, your father and I decided on a few items a little more age appropriate this year. I braided your hair last night so it will be all frizzy this morning. And you picked out a special birthday dress that has been hanging in your closet for 6 weeks now just waiting for this day.
I am writing your card and a wave of memories just flooded the living room. Save the cake! You're coming home from the hospital and your dad and I are sweating bullets in the hospital parking lot-we haven't secured the car seat and we can't figure the damned thing out in 100 degree weather. We read and re read the installation manual and finally settle on strapping it the best we can. I ride home next to you with my arms bolted across you (just in case).
The months fly by and you are asleep on your daddy on the sofa, he's curled around you and snoring away. You are playing peek a boo in our bed on a sunny Saturday morning, the sunlight illuminating the blond fuzz on your head. Your first birthday is bigger than our wedding. The cake is three tiers. You potty train yourself before two, and take to wearing my high heels everywhere, even on trips to the grocery store. You love dance class and rolling in the sand on the beach. You are a happy child who knows how to wink, you love making us laugh. You start preschool, I cry. When your sister arrives, you are so enamored with her you won't leave the hospital room. You stay for 6 hours until daddy has to drag you out. You and your dad spend an afternoon on the lawn learning how to ride your Dora bike without training wheels. Suddenly, we are jogging through the streets of our neighborhood chasing you on your two wheeled bike. You begin gymnastics class, you can slide down the pole at the playground, you can pump the swing, you can boogie board. You started kindergarten. You're determined to master the monkey bars "like all the other kids". You read me a story all by yourself. You sing a song you made up. You are sweet and sassy, sharp and cautious, laughter and broken swimsuits (bikinis) at the beach. You are pink sparkles, spinning and jumping, toenail polish and cuddles, sand castles and lovebug hugs. Happy Fifth Birthday, my sweet baby girl. Everything is ready..... except for me.
You requested a chocolate cake with strawberry frosting and flower sprinkles on top. You also requested steak, corn, garlic bread and "sweet beans" for your birthday dinner. A pretty sophisticated dinner request for a five year old, I think. Although you asked for a cell phone for your birthday, your father and I decided on a few items a little more age appropriate this year. I braided your hair last night so it will be all frizzy this morning. And you picked out a special birthday dress that has been hanging in your closet for 6 weeks now just waiting for this day.
I am writing your card and a wave of memories just flooded the living room. Save the cake! You're coming home from the hospital and your dad and I are sweating bullets in the hospital parking lot-we haven't secured the car seat and we can't figure the damned thing out in 100 degree weather. We read and re read the installation manual and finally settle on strapping it the best we can. I ride home next to you with my arms bolted across you (just in case).
The months fly by and you are asleep on your daddy on the sofa, he's curled around you and snoring away. You are playing peek a boo in our bed on a sunny Saturday morning, the sunlight illuminating the blond fuzz on your head. Your first birthday is bigger than our wedding. The cake is three tiers. You potty train yourself before two, and take to wearing my high heels everywhere, even on trips to the grocery store. You love dance class and rolling in the sand on the beach. You are a happy child who knows how to wink, you love making us laugh. You start preschool, I cry. When your sister arrives, you are so enamored with her you won't leave the hospital room. You stay for 6 hours until daddy has to drag you out. You and your dad spend an afternoon on the lawn learning how to ride your Dora bike without training wheels. Suddenly, we are jogging through the streets of our neighborhood chasing you on your two wheeled bike. You begin gymnastics class, you can slide down the pole at the playground, you can pump the swing, you can boogie board. You started kindergarten. You're determined to master the monkey bars "like all the other kids". You read me a story all by yourself. You sing a song you made up. You are sweet and sassy, sharp and cautious, laughter and broken swimsuits (bikinis) at the beach. You are pink sparkles, spinning and jumping, toenail polish and cuddles, sand castles and lovebug hugs. Happy Fifth Birthday, my sweet baby girl. Everything is ready..... except for me.
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