Today She is Five

In keeping with tradition, I'm going to share some thoughts today that are all about Natalie on the day she turned five.

Dear Natalie,

I am writing this from our hotel balcony listening to the ocean waves. You have been counting down for months to your birthday this year. I asked you what you wanted to do and you said, "I want to go to the beach and stay for days." You look just like your Daddy, but statements like these make me know you are all mine too.

It's been a big year for you. You have graduated from VPK and have learned so much. You can add and subtract. You know how to read several words, and have become very quick at 100 piece puzzles.

You played your first year of soccer and were really good. I'll never forget how aggressive and competitive you are. One day when the coach from the other team lined his girl up right in front of you, you leaned around her shoulder and said, "I can still see the ball." I was shocked and proud all in the same moment. You also love to dance. You couldn't wait for your recital and all that is girly. You had so much fun getting ready with Emma.

You are so very independent. If there is a possibility you can do it by yourself, then you will. You are stubborn, strong, and loud. And you have one of the most contagious laughs I have ever heard.

Daddy and I have agonized over the decision about kindergarten this year. Because you are a summer baby, I have always envisioned you going to school when you are six. However, you are more then ready now and this has only become more clear to us over the last few months. You tell everyone that you are going to kindergarten. You talk about it all the time. As much as you are ready, I am sure I am not. But like all things you, it's coming whether I'm ready or not.

You are good to Micah. He can push you to the limits, but you help him. It makes my heart smile every time you say, "come on little buddy" and do something kind with Micah.

You remain a Daddy's girl and probably will be for forever. I'm really fine with that. We have started weekly "girls talk" in your room. One night a week I lay in your room for a while after bed time and we talk about any and everything. I've learned more about you in those twenty minutes then I do all day. You have close friends, secrets, hurts, fears, and even dreams. I hope that we can pray and talk through them all.

All day today, you have said you are five. You commented that it doesn't feel much different then four yet. For today, I know it doesn't. Somehow, life ends of being a series of days that don't feel much different from the other until we look up and see a lifetime. Five feels so different to me. The sand castle Daddy and you made this morning was washed away by the tide tonight. Watching the ocean always reminds me that nothing ever stays the same. As hard as it is, I want you to grow, I want you to change, I want you to live and love with all that God has given to you. This year too will come and go but you will be different still. As much as I try to soak up all the days with you, I'm often left wondering where the sand castle went. I constantly have to remind myself to be in awe of the little girl you are today and not look back to figure out how it all went by so fast. Four is not that much different then five. It's just a day. A day we spent together. Loving each other forever, for always, no matter what.

It's important to know that a few things in life, like love, never change.

I love you!

Mommy