Darling Izz,
One of the most difficult moments of motherhood was the day we dismantled the crib, signaling that the season of babies had passed and would not come again. We made so many special preparations for you. The perfect sheets, the perfect shade of pink, bees all 'round your room. We created a little kingdom for a tiny little life coming to join our family. Babyhood is so very short.
I was thinking back to your birth - how incredible pregnancy was and the bond I developed with you before you were born. As soon as I awakened from surgery, they tucked you up around my neck and I couldn't believe how tiny and warm you were - a little bundle of humanity and promise all wrapped up, with your little forehead and nose pressed against my cheek. I spent many afternoons just enjoying the sensation of having you on my shoulder.
So, as I walked through the Disney Store the other day, hard pressed to find anything I thought my little girl would enjoy, I realized we reached another milestone this year. You're turning six years old, and princesses, castles, and kingdoms are starting to fade into the mists of childhood. Is it really your last year for Ariel and Tiana? Did I really just purchase Sally from The Nighmare Before Christmas, because I finally let you watch the movie and you are so incredibly into the fantasy of it?
When I came up to tuck you in tonight, you were playing with your dollhouse, pretending to be mommy and managing your household of dollies. Our gift to you this year on your birthday was a doll - a big-girl doll that you'll have to take care of - and I have no doubt after watching your quiet play for a few minutes this evening, that you won't have any trouble in your new role as a responsible big kid.
We had a birthday tea-party for you yesterday at a grown-up restaurant with all of your friends, and you were quite the hostess! I am so proud of the way you behaved. You were truly fascinated with the company, the tea, the cake, and just enjoying a few moments of fun that was all for you. You were kind to all of your girlfriends and guests, and while still a little girl, I can see, in your quiet enjoyment of the afternoon, a glimmer of the woman you'll become .
This year, your artistic talent has really blossomed and you're drawing pictures that are beautiful and logical. You've learned to read all sorts of words and have the very beginnings of an interest in reading books for yourself. Reading will open so many wonderful pathways to you and will add a whole new element of comprehension to your world. I hope we can always curl up on the couch together, though, and read stories together like we did today.
You've become interested in dance and music, and we've encouraged that through musicals, plays, concerts, ballet classes, recordings, singing in the car... You even choreographed a little dance the other day to a Little Mermaid song! You're also interested in swimming and recently went rock climbing at another little girl's party. I watch you from a distance, and see you dreaming to yourself about what is to come.
You love Scooby Doo and I think your secret dream may be to open your own private detective agency, though you placate me by telling me you still want to be an eye doctor like you did when you were four.
You've been so lucky to have the most wonderful teachers in your short time at school. You've spent these past few years in a caring place, where the kids are taught to be respectful to one another. It's a warm, cozy environment. You are concerned about everyone and demonstrate your love by giving hugs and asking after people's lives. Your ever-increasing affinity for welcoming others and doing little things to "make their day" is an incredibly valuable skill. At your tea-party, you made friends with ladies at adjoining tables as you frequently do in restaurants.
You are now, and have always been, a little comedienne, your sense of humor keeping us all laughing daily - just like Dad. I love that you think you're silly and thrive on laughter. You've developed your own sense of style - and boy, do you know how to model clothing! I can tell you have good taste already - just like Mom!
So, what should we do this coming year? Shall we bake together? Learn to play piano? Get manicures together? Let's read and see new places. Let's laugh and snuggle. Let's talk about politics and learn about money and time. Are you ready to start sewing?
We may be beyond the Disney Princess stage, but after spending a few minutes mourning the passage of tulle and tiaras, I'm thinking about creating the next set of dreams with you my funny, charming young lady!
Happy Birthday, darling Izz! I hope this day was as special and memorable for you as it was for me!
Love and Kisses,
Mommy
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