Birthday Wishes, the sequel

Sophia Diane,

Happy birthday, baby. I can’t believe you are FIVE.  When you were born, with all that almost-black hair and that perfect face, I could not imagine you as a five-year-old girl. And now, look at you:

You are sweeter and more beautiful that I ever could have dreamed you would be. My imagination just wasn’t capable of seeing and knowing all the many kinds of wonderful that you are.

Last year on your birthday, I made a wish for you.  I wished that you would share your awesomeness with others.  You were, at that point, not really spreading your greatness around so much.  And oh, girl, these past twelve months you have really made that wish come true!  You are SO social, so good at making friends, so sweet to others – I couldn’t be more proud.  I am so proud that you LOVE being YOU.  This year, I wish that you will always love yourself, that you will see yourself as God sees you – perfectly imperfect, and created exactly the way you are supposed to be.

Sweet girl.  You have  made me so proud this year.  You can read. You can write. Your speech is amazing.   You have gotten so strong in gymnastics! You make up the funniest songs, and just like me, you think life should be a musical and it is fun to sing what you are doing. I love singing with you about eating lunch or coloring a picture. I love being silly with you!

You are SUCH a good big sister. Last year on your birthday you were still the little sister, but now you are both!  I was so afraid you would be jealous of your baby brother, but you’ve been nothing but loving. I have loved seeing you be so sweet and motherly toward Jonah.  You are so good at taking care of him and at playing with him. I love how you talk to him and reassure him.  I love how you can’t wait to share the exciting things in your day with him.  I love how he lights up when he sees you!

You light up my world, baby girl.  Five seems like a big, big deal to me.  I’m a little sad because I always want you to be my baby girl.  I always want you to say to me, like you often do, that I’m your best friend.  But I promise I will be even when you think I’m not. No one could love you more than I do, Sophie.

Happy Birthday!