Can it be?

1 month ~~~~~~~~~~ 1 year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 years

3 years ~~~~~~~~ 4 years ~~~~~~~~ 5 years

6 years old

Oh, my sweet Beth,

Can it really be that you turn 6 today? It just doesn't seem right. Being 6 sounds like such a big girl. I tried and tried to find a way around today- just skip it, not let you have a birthday- but you wouldn't stand for it. What do you think being 6 will be like? I know you're already looking forward to being a first grader, but I want to reflect back on what being 5 meant.

Turning 5 was a big deal. It meant kindergarten, being away from me every day. I'm so glad that you've enjoyed school, enjoyed learning, enjoyed your teacher and classmates. It's been fun to see you learn and practice your cursive writing. I know it's hard work, but you do a great job, when you do your best. Oh, my precious girl, you may not look like me, but I see myself in you. I'm so glad you have a love for reading. I have really enjoyed exploring new books and topics with you. I love that you ask about a word you haven't heard. I hope you always have a love of learning and reading.

I have enjoyed watching you with your brother, seeing how much you love each other. I know that sometimes he bothers you, and you need your alone time. Mostly, you are great with him. He'd do just about anything you tell him to, and you do like to boss him. You do good taking turns playing with girl toys and games then playing with his toys and games. I hope you always love and enjoy time with each other.

You are such a joy for Daddy and me. You are so helpful. Most of the time, you do your chores and extra things without complaining. You have good manners. We started using signs to teach you good manners when you were only 1, and they have stuck with you. It makes us so proud when people tell us how good and well-mannered you are. I know you love to look beautiful on the outside, but being a beautiful and kind girl from the inside is what people like the most. As your heart grows to learn about and love Jesus, we enjoy seeing you understand how loving God affects your actions. You keep me on my toes, wanting to learn and understand more, so I can talk to you about it.

Some things about you haven't changed much. You still love to play stickers, usually stacking them up and just feeling the sticky until the sticky is gone. That started when you were 2. You are a morning person. I can't believe how you can wake up so early, rarely sleeping past 7, and be rip-roarin-ready-to-go as soon as you let your feet touch the floor. Thankfully, you are good about entertaining yourself- playing, reading, coloring- until you hear more of us wake up.

I have really enjoyed you being 5. I look forward to the adventures of you being 6. Happy birthday, my favorite Beth. I love you!

Love, Mommy