Happy 5th Birthday, Ladybug!
I'm having trouble grasping the fact that you are five. Five seems like such a milestone number. Gone is my preschooler, and in her place is an actual kid.* An independent, opinionated, close-to-reading and writing, sweet kid.
Last year, we were just starting to see your personality, but this year we have seen it in full force. You are super girly, and love all things pink, princess, pony and fairy. If it were up to you (which it is, most of the time) you would wear a frilly dress, sparkly shoes, a glittery/flowery headband and several pieces of jewelry on every occasion. Getting you into pants or shorts of any kind is often a challenge. You have continued on with Little Gym and love to dance both in and out of class.
You are incredibly kind and sweet, which makes you a wonderful friend. This summer you started a new school, and though you were nervous, you quickly found your place and have made many new friends. I've tried hard to keep up playdates and such with your old crew from Storybook Safari, as you love your old friends to pieces. (Even when you fight...which you often do. You have chosen friends that are as strong-willed as you are.) This year even brought, not one, but two new boyfriends. The first will forever be known as your "first love." You talked endlessly about your future together and it even got to the point where we had to make a "no kissing at school" rule. When you changed schools, you moved on somewhat, but he is still one of your best friends and the affection returns when he is near. The second new boyfriend helped with your school transitions and gave us a little glimpse into your dating future. Let's just say, you've quickly learned how to tell a boy exactly what you want and how to treat you!**
With all the love you give out, you are also very sensitive. It really bothers you if someone doesn't like you or is someone isn't nice to you. You give so much love to others that you are easily hurt when someone doesn't do the same. Age four brought out a lot of your emotional side and, together, we are still learning how to channel and control them.
As sweet as you are, you are also fiercely independent. You know what you want, when you want it and will make sure everyone knows it. However, you are still young and often find yourself fighting between wanting to handle things on your own and wanting someone to help you.
This year, you've also really grown academically. You are a pro at writing your name and most of your letters. Lately, you've loved writing notes to your friends and teachers. Amazingly, you've gotten to the point where I only need to spell the words for you, and you can do the rest. You've also continued your love of reading and have even started working on sight words at school and prefer listening to chapter books at bedtime.
You have changed and grown so much this past year. (And not just in maturity, you've also shot up from a size 4T to a solid 6X-7!) I have loved every minute of this year with you!***
I love you so much, Ladybug!
Mom
* If you want to get technical, you are still in preschool. However, it's only because of your late birthday and you will be in Kindergarten by years' end.
** He very sweetly brought you flowers one day. When we talked about it later, you told me he brought them, "because I told him to. I said, 'do you like me? If you like me, you should bring me flowers.' and he did!"
*** Well, not every minute. You have also done a lot of exploring into your sassy side this year. ;)
