five

I got the itch to write out my thoughts about Abby turning 5.  I found myself reminiscing into this little collection of words and feelings about my beautiful girl. 


I remember.

I remember sitting in your quiet room

feeling you kick

Rocking and humming softly 

eagerly yet patiently awaiting you.

I remember seeing you, through blurry tears

Softer than I'd imagined, and smaller.

My heart grew straight to yours.

You were perfection.

I remember watching you sleep in my arms

Staying still while my heart pounded with emotion.

Your smiles shooting like electricity through me

and causing happy tears to spill.

I remember watching you look for me. 

There I am, and you smile.

I'm gone and you search

I'm back! You squeal with laughter. 

I remember that first food

I remember that first tooth

I remember that first step

I remember that first word

I remember seeing your world expand

Your curiosity endless.

We explored and learned together

My pride found new depth

I remember your first questions

and learning to sing

Counting, coloring, running

I remember the first "I love you, mama"

We were in the kitchen. 

I remember you kissing my belly

And sharing toys with your unborn sister.

I watched you see her for the first time

My heart grew again.

I remember every cut and hurt

I've kissed magic healing into so many

Your tear stained toddler cheeks

always begged me to kiss them dry.

I remember you changing

Your vocabulary, bigger 

Your face, thinner

But your lip still curls when you laugh

I remember watching you go to school

I could feel your heart racing in mine. 

Your hand squeezed mine and you were excited and scared

Then you let go

And I watched you walk into childhood.

And I've watched you blossom

And I've watched you grow

And I've watched how clever you've become

You're so very clever. And compassionate. 

I've watched your hair grow long

And your clothes get too small, again.

You like to crack eggs by yourself

And you can spell.  And text.

You like anything blue

You can finish any puzzle. 

You love art and animals and glitter

You are becoming you.

You ask me big questions now

Because you're so big.

And I do the best I can.

I remember when you turned 5.

The years have passed so fast

I look at you and am in awe

You are perfection.

Remember that.