Today you are 5. You didn’t seem happy this morning when I tried to make a big deal about your birthday. No! You protested. But then I told your daddy in front of you that you didn’t want your birthday and we shouldn’t give you your presents and and we shouldn’t take you to get your nails painted or to the special place I have planned for you. And then you were ok with it being your birthday. I know that was just your shy nature coming through. Just like Mommy. Not too much attention on just you. You still get shy in front of people. Even people you’ve seen several times. You usually hide behind me or look at the ground when someone speaks to you. I keep telling you it’s only polite to respond. You’ll get it one day. Mommy did. And look out to the people you trust well. You don’t quit talking.
Your favorites have changed even in this past year. You still like your computer games but your passion seems to be art. You love to paint especially. And you love to make things for other people. I think you may have gotten a creative gene or two from Grandma. You love to learn. You know how to write your alphabet and your name and Lexi’s name now although you always ask if Lexi’s name ends with an I or Y. You are starting to sound out words and can tell me what letter they start with usually. And we’re working on learning to read! You can sound out some words in our "reading book".
You’re not so much a fan of math though. Counting and adding and subtracting don’t seem to enthrall you nearly as much. The other day I think I heard you count to 39 and then got stuck until I reminded you that 40 came next.
You have some TV favorites right now although recently we haven’t been watching nearly as much. But you get excited when you see LazyTown, Max and Ruby, Little Bear or Little Bill on Noggin. And you can finally figure out Blue’s Clues on your own.
If I were to guess what meal you might pick to eat tonight, it would probably have mashed potatoes and gravy, maybe roast–you just call it "meat", and lots of bread and butter. And of course a Peppermint Patty or pink ice cream to finish the meal off. Oh boy and root beer to drink! Maybe even some Starbuck’s with that dessert 😉
You are such a kind-hearted little girl. You are like a mother to your little sister. Always making sure she’s doing the right thing. You give to her and everyone else until Mommy has to remind you to take care of yourself a little. Your name, Emma Grace meaning full of grace, is in full swing. And I’m so proud of you for that. You are a joy to me and your daddy. You are a joy to everyone you meet. You bring life to a room and nothing is ever dull when you are around. You are the leader when there are a group of kids and you make sure everyone has a part. I hope you know how many people love you. I love you so much I’m just not sure I can explain it. And I hope you know how much Jesus loves you. Much more than I ever could. He has special plans for you and I can’t wait to see what it is.
You have blessed our lives these past five years and I’m so, so grateful I get to be your mommy. I love you, my little Emma.
Ok, let me go cry now….(sniff, sniff). I really can’t believe it’s been 5 years. In some ways it seems like yesterday and then in others it seems like she’s been in our lives forever. You’re right though, I think both of the girls are fulfilling their names beautifully. And Scott & you have done a wonderful job and raising her and Lexi. You both should be proud of yourselves for being such great parents. God is good!
I had my cry this morning. PMS didn’t make it any better.