Dear Ainsleigh,

Five years ago today...

I had no idea what it would be like

to cuddle you close

or be cuddled by you.

To hold your little hand in mine

and watch it grow.

To see you take your first steps

and hear your little voice

change from that of a 2 year old

to that of a quite eloquent little 5 year old.

I could not imagine

the attention span you would have.

That you could listen

all day

to the same book

but already have it memorized

after the first reading.

I didn't know that you

would be a fabulous little artist

that you would be happy

spending your days

with nothing but a notepad and a pencil.

Or that you would sit by my side

day in and day out

as we took care of a little baby

not meant for this Earth.

And that you would comprehend that.

And love her with all of your heart. Still.

When you were just two.

But then, when you were four,

you would welcome

another baby sister

who you would love with all of your heart

and want to name smileyface

or orange minge.

And who you would make giggle.

Like no one else could.

How could I know

that you would love to dance,

to sing, to pet every dog you see?

Or that you would need

to sit by my side

every morning

and drink your milk

before your day could really start.

And you would have

computer skills unmatched

by anyone your age.

You would make your

Daddy so proud.

And that you would
love to cook.

To go to starbucks

and color with mommy.

That you would be so happy

in those little moments.

I didn't know

that I could look

at anyone

and love them

so

much.

With my whole heart.

You are a very cool

fascinating

smart

beautiful

confident

brown-eyed girl.

Five years ago I had no idea

what I had been missing all those years before.

Happy 5th Birthday my daughter!