f i v e

And now you are five, Kathleen.

As your godparents and our dear friends pointed out in a letter to you, it's a "big girl age." It's true.  You're not a toddler anymore. You're barely a preschooler. You are, indeed, our big girl.

And not just a big girl, you're the big sister -- the biggest sister. And that is a role you love. You take pride in telling me, "It's okay, Mama, I'll watch the littles!" The day after your birthday you solemnly announced that, now that you're five, you're big enough to change Luke's diapers. You've recently begun "reading" to John David; it makes me smile to think of you, with him on your lap, reciting That's Not My Monkey. And though you and Maddie squabble (as sisters will do -- ask any of your aunties!), you're the first to miss her when you two are apart.

We celebrated your birthday with a party befitting such a big girl: a winter princess party.  You were emphatic about the theme.  Though we'd talked about a superhero party or a matryoshka doll party, you knew what you wanted: a winter princess party and a new winter princess dress.  We were only too happy to deliver (especially since we snagged the dress on ebay for a song).

Your party was sweet and slightly chaotic (because that's how we roll, dear girl) and perfect for you.

You and your friends and cousins decorated a snowman.  (Your daddy designed and cut out all those pieces after midnight the night before your party.  How he loves you, little girl!)

And you decorated princess paper dolls, complete with fluffy, minky trim and stick-on jewels.

And read a story -- The Snow Princess, also your selection.

And then we painted cookies.  You and I had mixed and rolled and cut out and baked angels and snow globes.  You and your friends decorated them with a rainbow of colors.

John David is a force of nature and we worried about him getting into the paper dolls.  Or, even worse, the brightly colored frosting.  In fact, Daddy and I set up the decorations and supplies for your party the night before, and whisked everyone out the door first thing in the morning for a special breakfast at Hobee's.  We said it was to celebrate, but really it was to contain your little brother!  Miraculously, he was perfectly behaved.  And even though he didn't snag a spot at the table with the "big kids," he didn't seem to mind.

There were snacks, of course, and presents.  And a cake.  (White.  With snowflakes.)  With five -- five! -- candles.

What fun to celebrate you, Kathleen.  In fact, it was so much fun that we celebrated again, two days later, on your "actual" birthday.  (You love the word actual"!)  We marked the day with a trip out for your favorite supper (Chinese) and leftover cake with new candles.

Your Daddy and I are constantly amazed at the way you've grown -- at the things you can do and remember and understand. You're clearly your own person, Kathleen, and I can't begin to explain what joy it brings us to watch you become more and more yourself.  We hope your every wish comes true.

Love,
Mama and Daddy