Baby girl… or big girl I should say,
You have grown so much this year and I have never been prouder of a human being in my entire life. When I sing to you, I truly mean that you are my sunshine. You brighten each and every day. You’re my best friend, my soul mate, and my forever baby.
It feels like just yesterday I stared into those big blue eyes for the first time. I blinked once and you’re suddenly half a decade. It’s unreal how you are somehow simultaneously a baby and a teenager at the same time. I thought we talked about you slowing down time 
5 is a big year for you. You’re heading to Kindergarten in a few months where I know how excited you are to learn math and reading.
Watching you get on that school bus is going to gut me. Knowing that you’re going off into the world without mommy holding your hand fills me with equal parts pride and fear. I have no doubt that you will be amazing at anything you put your mind to, my fears are solely rooted in letting you go.
When I first met you 5 years ago I couldn’t even begin to imagine how much I could love you more and more each and every day. I had no idea that I was holding my little best friend.
You are the world’s best big sister (and cousin): The way you love on and take care of Luca (and your cousins) really sends me. Not only do you want to help but you always know how to make him calm when he’s fussy is nothing short of magic. And no one makes that baby laugh harder than you do. He adores you and is so lucky to have you as his big sissy.
You are brilliant: I love watching you learn new things and being able to almost physically see your brain working. It’s been so fun to see you start reading and writing words more and more over the last few months.
You are funny: There’s no doubt in the world that you have your daddy’s humor. If you want to tone down the potty jokes, however, I’m also cool with that.
You are creative: Your week-long games of make-believe are especially epic.
You are beautiful (inside and out): And the crazy part is that you have no idea.
You are loving. You are kind. You are fierce. You are empathetic. You are strong. You are my sunshine. As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.
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