Tomorrow...

Tomorrow morning, on December 9th, our firstborn will wake up and she will be 6. 

I've reflected on why 6 seems so much older to me than 5 did and decided that it's because she now needs two hands to show her age, and when she does put up those six fingers they aren't pudgy with baby fat anymore.  Her fingers are long and slender.  Her face is that of a young lady.

Natalee Cynthia - we can't ever express to you how much we love you.  You taught us how to be parents and you had to be our guinea pig.  You are full of deep thoughts and raw emotions.  You love rules and routine and having fun when it's built into your schedule.  You narrate your entire day and are rarely silent.  You love music, twirling, dancing and singing.  You like to do your schoolwork and have a mind like a sponge.  You are working hard on self control.  Drawing, coloring, and all forms of art are your escape when you get overwhelmed.  You love outside, going to church, and playing games.

Happy happy birthday, sweet girl.  We love you.