five!

Rebecca Joy, you are something else!  You make us laugh every day with the grown up things you say.  You make me pull my hair out with the way you try to test the limits, questioning the rules like your sister never did.  You fill my life with hugs and more hugs, lots of cuddling, and lots of laughter.

I can't believe you're five.  How do five years go by in such a flash?  Sometimes I look at you and can't believe how grown up you are--five going on fifteen.  Other times I look at you and think about what a baby you are.  But like I tell you, you'll always by MY baby!

You've been talking about your birthday since May 28th of last year!  You knew you wanted an Elsa cake and have been telling me about it all year.  So on our last day together of just you and me (Rachel's last day of school) we went out to pick out your birthday supplies.  You were so excited about all of the Elsa things we saw and just wanted it all.  

I'll miss those mornings together of just you and me.  In the fall, when Rachel goes back to school, you will be, too!  What will I do with myself when you BOTH get on a school bus and I walk back home by myself?  I've been both dreading and looking forward to that day....the day I finally get some time to myself!  It's hard to imagine, since the last nine years I've been surrounded by little girls, books, puzzles, princesses, ballerinas, and tea parties!  Part of me can't wait.  Another (bigger) part of me is so sad that those days will be coming to an end.  Hopefully you'll still enjoy those things for a few more years, like your sister has.  Please don't grow up too fast, sweet girl!

Pictures from our day at the zoo today:

I love you, Rebecca, and I'm so thankful for the JOY you add to our lives.

Happy birthday!!

Love,

Mommy