I don’t often write about my personal life or the wonderful people in it, but…

Happy birthday, my darling. It’s hard to believe five years have just flown by. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were blearily stumbling through your newborn days, exhausted, elated, and woefully underprepared?

Your only-child status is coming to an end, and I just want to savor these last few months before that transition. Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited, and I can’t wait to see you blossom into an amazing big sister, but for now you’re still my baby, and I will cling to that for as long as I can.

I love our early morning cuddles before you get ready for school. You say and do things that will be stamped into my heart and mind forever. I love how you’re constantly kissing my pregnant belly, unprompted, so excited for the baby that you can’t help yourself. I love that you share my love of horses and Harry Potter. You’re a quick learner, bursting with a natural curiosity that I hope you’ll never lose.

It has been such a joy to watch you grow and change over the years.

You bring magic to my life every day, and I hope you know how much I love you.