Five years ago today, Ariel was born.

Five years of laughter and love.

Five years of being in awe of this child we created.

Five years of sweetness and joy, creativity and humor.

I have bittersweet feelings about this birthday.  On one hand, I’m sad at how quickly she’s growing into a little girl.  When I shop for her, it’s no longer in the toddler department near the butterfly tops and floral cotton bottoms.  Instead, I’m surrounded by glitter belts and bratz dolls and the realization that she really is a big girl with her own ideas and feelings of independence.

But on the other hand, how can I not feel full of love and excitement over her growth and maturity?  I see her everyday and everyday she does something or says something that fills me with happiness and pride.

Thank you, Ariel, for being you.  I wish you the happiest of birthdays ever today.  I can’t wait to celebrate you and the amazing girl that you are.

Don’t miss the VERY important interview with our Birthday Girl below.

Tell me, Ariel, how hold are you going to be tomorrow? Five

Are you excited for your birthday? Yeah.

How excited? Really excited, so much excited.  really really so much excited.

What are you going to do on your birthday?  um, play games and pinatas outside. 

What else are you going to do, for real?  Open presents, blow out my candles and I would like to feel the little feet of the babies on your belly.

What are you going to do after school?  I’m going to get my fingernails and toenails painted at the salon and then I’m going to lunch at Red Robin. 

What are you going to eat at Red Robin?  ummmmmm…………cheeseburgers with french fries and nachos.

Last year, we went to get your ears pierced, but you changed your mind just as they were going to pierce your ears.  Why did you change your mind?  Because I was too young for that.

And now you are thinking about getting your ears pierced tomorrow, are you really wanting to get your ears pierced? Yes.

Why? So I can look extra pretty with my make-up on.

When are you allowed to wear make-up?  Because I’m allowed to with Halloween costumes.  When I go to school I’m going to wear my earrings.

So, tomorrow, when we get your ears pierced, you know it’s going to hurt, right?   For just a second.    I’ll say just say a couple of ouches.

I can’t believe you are going to be five, sometimes I think you are still my little baby girl.  Are you?  No, I’m a big girl now.  I’m not a baby.

Can I hold you like a baby?  nooooooooo.  it’s disgusting.

Do you love your mommy? Really so much, mommy beth.

Well, I hope you have a very happy, happy happy fifth birthday. Thank you.   I would love to kiss you on my birthday.

Mommy loves you.  and I love you to go to bed with me when there is a thunderstorm. 

Alrighty, then.