Ella,
You are five today.  One whole hand.  This year is going to be big for you sister.  You will graduate from preschool and head off to full-day kindergarten five days a week.  To me this feels like an end of an era.  I looked at you the other day as I struggled to get you into the grocery store cart.  Your long limbs trying to find their way.  I told you that I was sad that you were getting bigger and you looked at me like I was crazy...like every kid does when their parents say something like this.  I know it won't make sense to you until you have kids.  It made me wonder if Mimi and Lola still want your Dad and I to curl up on their laps sometime...maybe...probably.  As you get older, I've really enjoyed talking to you, fielding your questions.  We wink as we share an inside joke.  You are a good hearted kid, a natural care-giver and a whiz at puzzles and Memory.  When help is needed, you are there to volunteer.  You get excited about the rain, the birds, your friends, life.  "Oh boy" is your most frequent facial expression.  You make the world fun.  You've been working hard on resolving issues with your sister without our interventions.  You also started taking a hip-hop dance class.  And although you are surrounded by older kids, you have the best rhythm and musicality by far (allow me to brag, it's your birthday!).  It's been so wonderful being your parent.  As I carried you into bed for the last time as a four year old, I caught a glimpse of us in the full-length mirror at the end of the hall.  Your body covers over two-thirds of mine.   I wonder about when you'll stop wanting me to carry you and this hurts my heart.  But then I remember, it was just a few nights ago that a tantrum was being thrown because lasagna was being served for dinner.  And I realize that this era isn't quite over yet.
I love you, girl.  Let's agree to disagree over the lasagna, ok?
Always,
Mom

Celebrating at Messterpiece Studio