Happy Birthday Baby Bird

How is it that, we are already deep into December and I have not written my darling daughter her birthday letter?  My apologies, Nessa Bessa...here goes:

Dear Baby Bird,

Happy birthday love bug!  I don't know why you're already six!  I asked God to slow down time just a bit so I could enjoy these little years to the fullest!  And while we have enjoyed your fifth year immensely, six already has the makings of a wonderful year!

You have accomplished much this year.  We completed our first and only year of homeschooling, and what absolute perfection it was!  One whole year with my sidekick right next to me all day long will never be forgotten.  Never.  The memories we made, adventures we encountered, crafts we made, and deliciousness we cooked up in the kitchen will top my memory bank of fun!  You are who you are, sweetness, and cuddles, loving and generous.  Your manners are a testament to the good-natured, thoughtful little girl you are.  It brings me joy when you're away from me and parents still tell me what excellent manners you display. It's because you truly have a grateful heart.

I wish I could narrow down all our fun into a list of favorites, but there has been so much that I just can't!  Every minute with you is such a gift. You make me smile, stoop down to your level, hug fiercely and smile bigger.  You complete us.  You are such a gift to all of us.  But the gift of time that I have had with you is treasured.  I was made for this role of juggling "mom" to five.  You were made to be a part of this beautiful family portrait.

I love waking up most mornings to you beside me.  I tell dad not to worry, you will soon stop and I'll enjoy the three am sneaking in visits while I still can.  They don't bother me a bit.  Lambie continues to be your favorite.  He has been stuffed and restuffed under grandpa's care and his head is bare but you keep loving him and he is another part of you.  I remember your first day of kindergarten.  I came upstairs to find him sitting at the top of the stairs and I cried.  I wasn't quite sure who was missing him more--me or him.

You have blossomed in kindergarten!  We love reading together, and I especially like how you sing songs while you write.  Doing homework with you is usually a delight--unless you're grumpy, and in that case, we postpone until you're feeling it because it is not worth a fight.  School days are longer now and my time with you shorter, so I want to invest in that time wisely.  You are worth every ounce of my attention.  You say the cutest, most endearing things.  I just love you so much, baby bird.

May the angels of heaven watch over you, especially papa.  You know, I will always remember how he kissed you good bye one last time.  I think partly because you were always so attentive when visiting.  You would start and end a trip to grandma and grandpa's with a kiss to papa without any prompting.  Your heart for him was special.  May this year be filled with new friends, and opportunities to have fun and serve.  May your wishes all come true and may you come to grow closer to the Lord, keeping that grateful heart for all He has provided for you.

All my love always,

Mom