Happy 5th Birthday Mackenzie

(My little princess going through her Annie stage 2 years ago.)

Mackenzie,

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! My precious, wonderful, beautiful little girl. You will always hold a special place in my heart as my first born. We wanted you from the very beginning and weren't willing to wait, no matter how much money we didn't have, we would make it work. Through nine months we wondered who you were growing in there, our little "peanut" and I can still see your daddy's face as the doctor told us "It's a girl!" As much as we wanted you, we were young and new to the parenting thing and went through a few tough nights, heck months. But from that we have a stronger marriage that we have you to be thankful for. No it wasn't you, it was our inexperience. You were a wonderful baby. Oh how I still remember you coming home as our little glow worm, and whew were you a gassy thing (inexperienced parent mistake #1 - not knowing to give Mylecon at the first sign of discomfort just for good measure!) You are our guinea pig, everything you do is the first time we experience it as parents. So bear with us, we are trying.

You have always been wise and mature beyond your years. You have a tender heart much like your momma's, and will cry just thinking we may be upset with you. You are a natural nurturer. Chou Chou has such a wonderful momma! Not to mention how lucky your brothers are, you are so patient and caring with them, like their 2nd mom. You are a wonderful role model for them.

You've wrapped everyone you have ever met around your little finger. Mostly your daddy, Grandpy, and Pop - I'll let you in on a little secret - you'll be able to get anything out of them if you just smile! We've heard more times than i can imagine what beautiful eyes you have and how beautiful you are - not just cute - people are magnetized to you.

I love your little Sas lately "ex-ca-USE-me", "Uhhh Du". Sure in 10 years I might have a very different opinion of the sas, but it is so cute now with the innocence behind it. The way you answer the phone so adult and grown up, the way you continue to assure me that you "will always be my baby".

I am so proud to be your mother. To hear people say that you are a mirror of me is one of the biggest compliments I have ever received. I adore you, I love you, I admire you. To think that in just 5 years you have made such an impact, I can only imagine what the rest of your life will bring. You will do such wonderful things for this world, the world is lucky to have you. I am blessed beyond words to call you my daughter. You raised the bar, you have redefined perfection, you are the perfect daughter. I wouldn't change a thing about you. You are exactly who you should be. Continue to be yourself, dare to dream, follow your brothers impulsive nature, follow your heart. We love you more than words could ever describe. My heart aches to think about how much I love you. A piece of it belongs all to you, forever. Handle it with care in your teenage years! I may not do everything right in this path of parenthood, but I will always try.