Dear Lucy,

Today you are FIVE years old.

 

Holy cow. Where did this time go? You have grown up so much this year. For starters, you look like a kid, and not a toddler or even a preschooler. A full-blown kid. You've sprouted up a bit, lost some of your belly, and wear your glasses with ease (which make you look even smarter than you already are, if that's possible). I look at you sometimes and wonder if you've grown since the last time I saw you. Our joke when you wake up in the morning is for me to say, "Lucy, did you grow in the night?" You usually proudly stand up to show me how tall you are. I can't help but think one day I'll be looking UP into your big brown eyes, instead of down.

There has been a contentment settled in you this year, if that's the right word...you are calmer, more even-keeled. Don't get me wrong, you certainly still have your tantrums and drama-filled teary jags, and you certainly like your way (who doesn't). But you are a little more happy-go-lucky. Most of the time, you are proud to be a helper and behave yourself quite nicely. You are able to keep yourself content for longer periods of time, but you also like to talk to me and Dad (and anyone else who will listen, once you're over feeling shy). You amaze me with your stories and observations - I just love the way your mind works! You surprise us sometimes with your very astute observations about people or feelings, or your proclamations about your Grandma Betty that come out of nowhere. Yes, you still have something special going on with your personal angel. I hope you never lose it.

When you're not in school, you can most often be found drawing or coloring, and now that the weather is nice, you like to be outside and ride your bike or check on  your garden. You also like to watch TV, and we probably let you watch too much. One of the things I appreciate most about you is that you haven't made us watch the same movie over and over again - you've never been like that. Although this year I have to say we've seen "Frozen" quite a few time since we got it on DVD, but I'm not sick of it yet! Even when it's not on you're usually singing the songs or acting out scenes with your dolls. I love it!

The thing that has made me most proud this year is seeing how your confidence has grown. We've seen this particularly in your swimming lessons. After taking Level 2 twice, they said you probably should take it again. We believed in you and moved you up anyway. Level 3 was harder, but we knew you needed a push. Many told us to expect taking it three times or more, because it was the class where you needed to float and swim completely independently to pass. Lots of kids have trouble with it. You had a wonderful teacher in that class who brought you a long way, but you still needed to re-take it. Not because you couldn't do the strokes, but because you just weren't believing you could do it yourself. You always wanted to hang on to something (or someone). When we were in Phoenix a few weeks ago, you broke down in the pool. You wanted to float by yourself but you "couldn't do it." After some tears and arguing with me, something clicked. You decided you were going to do it, and you kept trying until you did! You were backfloating in that pool all by yourself! I was so proud of you, and you were very proud of yourself. You brought that confidence to your swimming class and the past few weeks you have been a superstar! What amazing progress! And the teachers see it too - you don't have to take this class again, you are on to Level 4! I love seeing that determination and pride in you, and it's a good feeling to know that you can take care of yourself in the water if needed.



This year, I have been soaking you in. You're free with the "I love yous" and hugs and kisses. You like to be around me. I like to be around you. I can take you places, like on your first plane ride, and know that you will do well and be good. You're so smart and funny; perceptive and caring. The world could learn a lot looking through your eyes. I know I certainly have.

Happy Birthday, Bug!

Love you,
Mama

PS - You're going to ROCK kindergarten in the fall. Can't wait to watch you grow!