We have a 5 year old!

Dear Helaina,

On the eve of your 5th Birthday, you went to bed this evening with a big smile on your face, excitedly telling us that when you wake up tomorrow, you will be 5!  Yes, sweet girl, tomorrow afternoon you will officially be 5 years old.  You are special to us for so many reasons.  You are our first born, you taught me how to be a mommy and Randy how to be a daddy.  Now you're a big sister, a cousin, and a friend.  The past 5 years have passed in a flash, but our hearts are filled with memories and laughter.       

This past year, we have watched you grow from a preschooler into a girl who is ready to start elementary school and the next chapter of her young little life.  Your preschool teacher from last year told us in a conference that she was sure that you would run a large cooperation one day and to no surprise, your teacher this school year remarked about your mature personality.  You are quite young to know what the future will hold, but we do know that you are one of a kind.  Your Dad and I are excited to start this journey with you, but instead of always leading you, we will now begin to hold your hand and offer our help when you ask.
Dad says that you may look like him, but you're all me on the inside.  Truth is, I think you're a little like both of us.  Your sense of humor, witty personality, and ability to hold a conversation with anyone are genes inherited straight from your Dad.  You are fiercely independent and a bit feisty and Dad seems to think those are my genes.  At the end of the day, your heart is soft and you are quite happy when you know you are helping us.  You are proud when you give your brother a bath, when you make your bed, when you wash the dishes, help cook dinner, and fold towels in the laundry.  You love princesses, make-up, nail polish, dancing, church, coloring and reading, but you also love riding your bike, fishing, playing outside, and watching sports!          

Lastly, my favorite part of everyday is bedtime. We pull your covers over you and as we lean down to push your hair off your face, in your soft, nighttime voice, we hear "I love you Momma.  I love you Dada."  Then you plant a beautiful kiss on our lips and every time, every. single. time. my heart bursts because it's hard to contain all that love for you.
Happy 5th Birthday, Helaina Catherine, we love you to the moon and back!

Love,
Dad and Mom