This Girl....

.... is turning 5 today,  no longer a baby.

.... dances with grace, beauty, and humor one cannot find in the self-aware.

.... sings with all her heart.

.... gives the strongest, most heart-felt hugs imaginable.

.... draws the happiest of happy faces.

.... came into our lives a surprise, and continues to surprise us.

.... is the snuggliest of snugglers.

.... is my number one fan.

.... is Daddy's favorite grocery store buddy.

.... is the apple of her brother's eye though he will never admit that.

.... is ready to take on kindergarten in the fall, and frankly, the world.

.... has such heart, that I know she will make an impact on our world.

Happy birthday to my baby girl.  I am so proud of you and who you are becoming.  I am astonished by your wit and beauty (inner and outer) every day.  I am enjoying the time we have now, rueful that you are no longer a baby, but also looking ahead years from now, to when you become my best friend.  I hope that the age of 5 is all your dreams have made it out to be!  Love you much much ever so muchly.