Happy Birthday Taylor

Today my sweet girl, you turned 5.
To say you're growing so fast is too easy a cliche to use.
You're not just growing, but becoming.
Becoming a girl we are so proud of.
You are brave, courageous, strong, sweet, sly and mischievous.
Sometimes I don't know if I should give you a sweet pinch on the cheek or a soft smack on the bum.
You are though, doing what every 5 year old should be doing.
Testing your limits and your boundaries.
When you've gone too far, you simply reply with the tenderest of voices, "I'm so sorry."
This weekend you threw my phone in the pool and gave your brother a fat lip.
I then watched you help your daddy pump gas on the side of the road in the middle of the desert.
I saw you smile off in the distance at no one and nothing in particular, so proud of yourself.
So happy to perform what we grown-ups often think of as such a simple and mundane task.

Last night you made spider web parfaits in the tub using cobwebs, batter, snow, ice cream and yogurt.
It was delicious.
You are imaginative beyond words.  This alone makes me so proud.
I hope it carries you far in life my sweet girl.
Taylor, my first born child, I never knew I could feel a love so deep.
When I look in those gorgeous green eyes, I never thought I could feel so close to God.
His creation.
Made just for Him.
Honored to be given the assignment as your Mom and Dad.
We thank God for you everyday.

Today was such a special day.  Daddy and Mommy were with you at school.

We made a special snack

You wore a cape and crown (always so serious my Taylor)

And your friends each brought you a flower from home

They sprinkled you with birthday dust and sang a sweet song:
Flowers in love we bring to you, 
birthday child, dear birthday child...

We ate ice cream with a good friend

And you blew out your candles.  All 5 of them, all by yourself.

Happy Birthday Taylor.  We love you more than words can say.