Happy Birthday big girl!

Dear Ky,

Where have the years gone?  Today we celebrated yet another birthday for you.

 I just want you to know that even though you turned five today, you will always be my baby.  In some ways I think you know that already, with a wisdom that is beyond your years.  I could hear it in your voice as you told Ms. Leslie today that, "Mommy wants me to stop growing.  Well, not really, but she says that a lot."

And this afternoon after rest (yes, you still require about 45 minutes of sleep in the afternoons) you came out and contentedly snuggled with me on the couch for about another 30 minutes.  Neither of us slept, but it was quiet.  After you finally started getting wiggly, you were content to look at pictures of your birthdays past on my computer with me.  What a fun time of remembering March 10 each year!

When we started talking about what special meal you wanted for your birthday, you had no hesitation at all.  Immediately you chose "Kababs" at dinnertime.  Nothing would veer you off course, so tonight we met Daddy after work at your favorite Mediterranean place.  So much your favorite that it is the same restaurant you chose two years ago today on your third birthday.

then...

...and now

You my girl love Middle Eastern dips.  You always have.  I can remember you eating tzatzaki with a spoon at Ms. Rika's restaurant before you ate many other solid foods, so I suppose you always will.  Most dips and sauces you could take or leave, but are serious about your hummus and tzatziki!  Tonight was no exception.

Most kids simply can't wait for the birthday cake after dinner.  You?  Well, your mind was on other things this evening...

For the record, you chose your wrapping paper the night you and I went out to select your party theme.  Neither your daddy nor I were surprised one bit that a certain kitty with a bow on her right ear would be front and center.  Your love for Hello Kitty makes me smile as I was also a big Hello Kitty fan when I was a little girl.

Your journal was a big hit.  Later this evening you passed up on a second round of cycling on the wii to sit and write in your new book.

just had to include this picture to document.  your brother was a serious coach for you two as you navigated around the volcano!

 And your fashion house tracing table?

  

Both Daddy and I have a new work of Kylie fashion to proudly put on display already.  We actually had a difficult time getting you to turn off the projector light so that we could enjoy our cupcakes.

My favorite part of tonight?  The sparkle in your eye as you soaked in the moment of being celebrated by your family.  You are such a delight to all of us big girl.  And as much as it pains me that you are growing so fast, I find that each new age is even better than the last.  Happy FIVE.