I can’t believe you’re five.

To my Kate,

Today is your fifth birthday. Your fifth birthday. How did that happen? In so many ways, it seems impossible that it’s been five years since you were born. In others, it seems impossible that we existed without you.

From the moment you were born, you were an incredible baby. Your dad swears the first time you looked at him, you smiled.

The nurse said to us, “That baby knows what she likes and what she doesn’t.” She was right, and you still do. I absolutely love that about you. I do… even though at times it makes me nuts. Your instinct and self-assurance will serve you well.

When you were born, your dad and I were such rookies. We had no idea what we were doing. (But we do now. Yep. For sure. Ok, still – no idea.) By being the first one, you had our complete focus, our complete attention, for four years. And while neither you nor your brother have very complete baby books, someday you’ll be able to look back on the Excel spreadsheets that contain detailed plans of your introduction into solid foods and lists of your first words. At least you have that going for you.

You have already had to be the one to push through the boundaries your dad and I are afraid to cross, whereas your brother will slide right through them. For example, on your first birthday, you had whole wheat toast with cream cheese. On his first birthday, Sammy had cake.

By the time you turned two, though, I let you have cake.

You really love the icing.

Each year, you grow so much, and every time I look at you I see less of the tiny baby, the little girl you once were. Even last year you still had some of that baby-ness to you.

Now that you’re five, you’ve turned the corner. You’re completely in “big kid” territory now. You’re less soft and more angles. But you’re still the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

You have a wonderful personality. You’re friendly and smart, you’re funny and kind. You got everything good your dad and I had to offer, kiddo, and you have so many things that are uniquely your own. You absolutely amaze me, Kate. I love you so, so much, and I am incredibly proud of you.

Happy birthday, baby girl.