To Charlotte, on Her 5th Birthday

I'm FIVE!

Oh, my sweet girl! This morning, at 6:40 a.m., you turned 5 years old! Eeeek!

Wow. Five years.

Five. Years.

I know your head and heart are full of the joy of being FIVE, impending celebrations, glittery hot pink birthday cake, and a stack of gifts---all of which (rightly) celebrates your entrance into the world, your very existence.

Charlotte girl, it's not unusual for Daddy and me to stare at you and then at each other and say, "Wow, she's such a great kid." We swell with pride as we listen to you sound out words while reading, reassure your sister during a scary part in a movie, or describe in detail your particular take on how the world works. You're so bright and bubbly, earnest and innocent. You wear your heart on your sleeve, frighteningly vulnerable but also endearingly open to others.

Happy birthday, our beloved Charlotte Marie. You amaze us every day. Even after 5 years of getting to call you our daughter, we're still gratefully stunned that you are OURS.

But. Keep on being YOU, Charlotte girl. Because we love YOU. Happy birthday!