Happy 6th Birthday to my Labor Day baby. Wait? Can that even be so? There is no way that my sweet little baby girl is six years old. Was it really six years ago that I looked into your eyes for the first time and fell in love? Even though I had been a mother for almost three years, the moment I held you, I had the life changing revelation that there is nothing in this world quite the same as the bond between a mother and her daughter. Every time in the past six years I have looked into your eyes the feeling of wanting everything right and good and just in this world to be yours is so fierce and overpowering. You deserve the best that this life has to offer, because you are the best daughter and sister a family could ever have.
I have never in my life wanted time to stand still as much as I do when I look at you. I watched you learn to walk and then I blinked and now you are learning to ride a bike. I was there when you made friends, and have watched these friendships grow and blossom. I waited patiently with you as you went from a bald baby to a girl with long, curly hair. It took a long time but your wish finally came true. I spent countless hours reading board books and picture books to you on the rocker in your nursery. Now I lay in your bed with you and read chapter books. I wish for just one day I could go back to that Labor Day six years ago when I held you, my daughter, for the first time.
Tomorrow you are going to get on a bus for your first full day of Kindergarten. Life as I know is never going to be the same. I waited an extra year to send you to Kindergarten. You will be one of the oldest in your class. Everyone says that I will never regret waiting to send you...and I know this is true. I have enjoyed every second of having you with me over the past six years. Sure you went to preschool, and My Gym and play dates and even some sleepovers, but you were still mostly mine. I know that it is time for you to start this next chapter of your life, but when you get on that bus in the morning you will be taking my heart with you. You are my heart. My daughter. My sunshine. I don't know what I am going to do. Nothing will ever be the same again. I am not sure how I am going to handle it. But I will. Because it is as it should be. You will continue to grow and learn and become more independent. I will put on a brave face and be strong for you. Because if nothing else, I want to lead by example. I want you to go out into the world and be strong and brave. And baby girl, as you go tomorrow, I want you to know these three things...
1. You are my BEST girl. Always.
2. Be yourself. You are as bright as the sun. Let your light shine. Always.
3. No matter what I will be right here waiting for you. Always.
Mommy
