Five is the new fifteen

Happy, Happy Birthday (a few days belated) to Miss Jillian Zoe! Born on August 22nd, 2005 at 10:06am to two VERY anxious parents, you were just perfect at 7lbs 6oz. We loved your long limbs, fingers and toes from the moment you were born. You made me laugh then with your surprise poops that would cover more ground than we ever thought humanly possible (I mean, sorry to be graphic, but these things came out of nowhere and SHOT across the room when you were laying on the changing table!) and you make me laugh now with the stories you make up when playing with your dolls. Just today you were acting out quite the scene in the car and when one doll yelled out "I need help," the other yelled "I can help. That will be three dollars." Hah! :)

Turning five is such a huge milestone, but you have another significant milestone quickly approaching. In two weeks you will start kindergarten! I love your excitement about going to your "new school" and I also find the sadness that you are feeling over leaving your brother behind at Small Faces so endearing. Just this morning you burst in to tears, telling me how much you were going to miss him. He is going to miss you too - more than you know, but in just three short years you will be back together again. Just think how much fun you'll have showing your little brother the ropes when he starts kindergarten. Nate's lucky to have you for a sister - you're good to him (most of the time) and he loves you for it.

The title of this post is the honest truth - I can't believe how much you have grown up in the past year! Sassy and drama-queen are your middle names. When you are injured your scream like someone is poking your eyes out and you can throw some mean tantrums. No judgment here, I'm just sayin'. :) The flip side of all of this is that you still love to cuddle and read books, have Mommy paint your fingernails and go to the park with Daddy. I'm trying to set aside the drama and cherish these times because I know there will come a day (all too soon!) when you don't want anything to do with me. It makes me sad to think about that day, but I know from my relationship with my mom (Grandma Boise) that someday you will like me again and we will be great friends. I look forward to that day.

Today I want you to know that you were worth every single day, hour, minute and second that I sat in that hospital bed (and believe me, I was counting!). Looking back I wouldn't change a thing - you are happy, you are healthy, you are FIVE years old. We've made it this far - I feel relieved and I am so proud of the young girl you have become. I love you with all of my heart. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

(P.S. You got your hair cut short today and it looks really cute!)