Wednesday, November 07, 2007

My Girl

Dear Hannah,


I can't believe this day is here and you are finally five years old. It seems like just yesterday I was overdressing you until you sweat through your clothes because you were a "winter baby." And then all those battles we had about you sleeping, and eating, and breathing...


But, know this for sure:

You are one of my very favorite things. I love the way you make everything pretty and sparkly and how you tell me stories that have no beginning and no end. I love that we do "big girl stuff" together now and how you still want to hold my hand and snuggle with me. I love that your starting to use inflections and hand movements when you talk (where ever did you learn that?) and that you're always quick to tell me that you love me the mostest of all.



People have always told us what a beautiful girl you are, and of course I've always agreed, but one of the things that makes you the most beautiful to me is your smart little brain. You are a free thinker (often to my chagrin,) you are inquisitive and investigative and you have a passion for learning more and more everyday. I know this will serve you well throughout your life.

The battles that we have now always stem from the same thing---that you are exactly like me---and our stubbornness puts us at opposite ends of the playing field from time to time. But your passions for what you want and what you know to be right is also one of my favorite things about you. It is nearly impossible to sway you from something you know to be true and I'm so thankful you've been given that tool. It will steer you down the right path and keep you safe.

I love to watch you dance and sing, play with your brother and sister, take care of your dolls and Roxy, play dress up, and flit around this house. You fill these walls with so much joy that at times all I can do is look away and wipe the tears because you bring me that much happiness.

Love,
Mama

11 comments:

tharker said...

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Happy Birthday Bo-Nans! We love you!

Kelly said...

She is a dear one, that Hannah. Hope her day was as special and as fun as she is! I swear she is the spitting image of YOU!

Sarah said...

This was a very nice tribute to your daughter. She's adorable and reminds me a lot of you, but with blond hair.:)Hope she has a wonderful year being 5!

Brooklet said...

Happy Birthday Hanna!

Karen, your letters to your kids are my favorite posts that you write, because they are so touching, so well written, and so special. I can just imagine Hannah rereading this letter when she is 15 and feeling so much love from her mom.

Kris said...

What a sweet letter to your daughter! I hope she had a great birthday. I love the first picture of her. She's so cute!

Marilyn said...

Happy Birthday Hannah! You are a beautiful young lady.

::lindsay said...

Happy Birthday, Hannah! This was such a beautiful tribute to your daughter, Karen. I hope you print this out for her and put it in her scrapbook so she can always look back and remember how loved she truly is. I've gotten the opportunity to get to know her better this year and she is just a wonderful little girl!

dandee said...

Karen, you always write the most lovely letters to your children. You're a great mom and Hannah is lucky to have you.

Happy birthday Hannah. Your sweet smile brightened up the Primary program. You did great!

Heather said...

Wow 5 already?? Happy B-day Hannah!!

Ms. Kristen said...

How Sweet!!!! I do love Hannah too! Not like her Mama! You defined her so perfectly!!!! I am defiantly trying to create a blog, just so I can write my feelings down for my posterity!

Ms. Kristen

Melissa said...

Fantastic post! Happy birthday Hannah!!