Happy 5th Birthday, Brooke!

Dear Brooke,

This past Wednesday you turned 5! I'm still in disbelief over how fast these first years of your life have come and gone. When I think about it, it makes me realize that I better hold on tight to each day because before I know it, you'll be grown.

This year has been a big year for you, my sweet girl! You became a big sister again and I have loved watching you grow into the nurturer that you are. If one of your sisters has a runny nose you take it upon yourself to get them a tissue. If you sense that one of them is in danger you come and get me right away. You also speak to your sisters with such love and gentleness. The way you treat them is so precious to me and your heart of kindness and compassion truly amazes me!

Another major milestone for you this year was that you started school for the first time. I have to be honest with you, those first few weeks of Pre-K were hard for mommy. I used to take you to school and slowly walk away from your classroom. I would secretly wait outside the door and make sure that you were adjusting okay and well received by your classmates. I would then pry myself from the door, only to walk outside and peer into the window of your classroom to check on you once more before heading back home. Then I would go home and cry and sense the emptiness of you being away from me. Now that you're adjusted and thriving in school, I feel much better leaving you each day. When you walk in all of the kids shout your name and they're always happy to see you. Not to mention, you're learning so much and growing my leaps and bounds. I still miss you but our new schedule seems a little bit more normal now.

I hope you now that there is not a day that passes where I don't just stop and stare at you in amazement over your beauty. Each day I am blown away by how much I love you and how incredibly blessed I am to be your mommy. Everyday you make me laugh and smile at least a dozen times and I love the way your crinkle your nose when you laugh. It's evident that your life makes mine so much better!

I'm so thankful for another year that we've had together! I'm so excited for the challenges and adventures that we will explore together in this coming year. I know that my heart will only grow to love you more through each step of the way.

Happy Birthday, princess!! I love you more than I could ever begin to tell you.

With All My Heart,
Mommy