To My Eldest Child, Kylie Jade

Today is a day I have dreaded/looked forward to for a long time. When you emerged from my womb I feared all the things that would hurt you or break you. I had an overwhelming desire to protect you from the world. As you turn 5 years old I fear for the world you are about to embark on. Kindergarten. It is too close I can taste it, I can feel my anxiety as you walk through those doors without hesitation. Your world is going to change and I won't be apart of it. I long to hold your little hand and never let go, but I must let go. You are no longer young enough to shelter from the pains of this world.

When I first found out you were going to be a girl, I admit I was a little sad, had I known what I know now about you I would have shed a tear for how lucky I am not the gender of you. You are the brightest star in my sky. You are my world and I thank you everyday for finding me and being my daughter. As your young years are flying by I keep up with your baby book as best as I can. You are growing up and this is the last year I get to fill out your baby book. It has been the best five years of my life.

Even from baby hood you have grown into such a smart, beautiful girl with the best personality. Although you are very sassy I wouldn't change anything about you. Your smile lights up your eyes and you have a heart of gold. I am so proud to be your mother and proud of the girl you are becoming.

On May 30, 2008 God blessed me with the sweetest baby ever. The first time I laid eyes on you I just knew you were special. You are a sparkle in the dark, the fire that makes light. I could tell about the second day of knowing you, you were the most independent kid. You liked to play alone and didn't need the constant reassurance of me or your daddy. I missed out on a lot of snuggles that way.

As you started growing I realized how very wonderful you are. You potty trained at the ripe age of 19 months never letting anything get you down. You have always liked to take control of your life. You walked  a little late at 14 months, but were on top of crawling by 6 months. You talked (not quite as well as your sister at your age) but you were always apt to tell me what you wanted. Around 2 1/2 you learned how to pump your legs on the swing and never wanted help from then on out (except 3 big pushes to get you started). You were riding a trike around 2 1/2 as well. Nothing could get in your way.

As you started gymnastics at 2 you captured everyone's heart (they all still love you!) My heart is so full from the love you give me. You bring so much joy to many people. Your smile is contagious!

As I begin the process of preparing for my first born to start school I feel like I need to hold onto you just a little longer. You are my heart Kylie Jade and I love you more then you can imagine. I know God will bless your life, because you deserve it.

I love you  baby girl,

Mommy

Mommy in the hospital with Kylie Jade 

Kylie Jade 

Daddy's first time holding his baby girl 

Home sweet home 

4 weeks and already punk rocking 

2 mths 

4 mths 

Sitting up all by herself 

Valentine beauty 

1st Bday photo shoot 

Cake 

One is fun

Pretty girl 

Slide 

14-16 mths 

My big girl 

Two year olds

Blowing bubbles

Kylie Jade trying on clothes at 2

Getting in trouble 

Someone became a big sister 

Beautiful girls 

She's a great big sister 

Love it 

2 going on 12 

The big 3 

3 and a bit crazy 

4 year old shoot 

4

Silly girl

Big girl first day of PREK 

Last day of PREK

Ear piercing on her 5th birthday 

Pizza!

My 5 year old!