Five already

Sweet Rebekah

I just cannot believe you are 5 years old. This feels like the big transition. That you are a real "kid" and no longer the toddler in the house. Now when you have a real toddler of your own, if that is your wish, you will admittedly realize that a 4 year old is hardly a toddler. But, you will forgive me as circumstances have made it so (unless someone delivers one to the door) you are meant to be my last baby.

You ask me all the time, "Mama, why do you call me baby, I am FIVE!?" And I remind you that I also call you honey and you are not made of honey either and that has had you busy....

I have been thinking back, to when you were smaller. Starting around 9 months or so I became sick and I abruptly had to stop nursing you to take toxic medicine to control my thyroid. Then I had a bad spell and I really don't remember much for about 9 months of my life. So there is so much I don't remember of yours either. We thankfully live in a highly photographic age and there are many many pictures.

I have noticed a theme on these photos, from the littlest to the more recent. There is someone by your side, most of the time. You and your sister seem to have your own language, your own sense of closeness that is a really beautiful thing to witness.

Sometimes your sister has a hard time and you have, with the typical childhood exceptions, been very kind to her. You have an innate ability to know how to be there and be tactful. You are a gentle soul and I deeply appreciate this about you.

You are surprisingly hilarious. Meaning you unexpectedly have the wittiest thing to say in the room at the most random times. You are so bright and such an optimist. You truly would, most of the time, rather be happy and let something go, than be forlorn or stubborn. (This will come in handy later in life, believe me). You also have no trouble with letting your opinions be known. Once, recently, we had lost our temper with you. You cried and went to be alone. You came back to us, tear stained, and briefly declared that while you had been in the wrong it was "scary for grown ups to yell" and that we should be aware of that. Okay then.

Both of you girls are at such a sweet age. Just grown up enough for us to enjoy activities and events together, but still you are sheltered from much of what currently troubles your parents about the world. We won't go into that here. No point. Besides, this one is about you.

Some of my favorite memories of this year have been dancing together as a family. We will be at a party or an event. At first everyone is a bit shy but then you start up with doing the robot - you are frighteningly good at that - and it is on. Marcella with her break dancing and you with your hip-hop and robot moves. What else truly matters?

I don't think I can tell you enough but it is always good to put these things in writing...I love you so very much. You are a bright spot in our lives and I thank you for reminding me so often to stop, give a kiss, give a hug and say I love you. You are better at that than most people I know. May you always be true to your heart. And may life bring you many great Blessings.

I love you baby.

Mama.