Happy birthday baby girl!

Kiley,

I always like to say better late than never... it's not that I forgot about your birthday letter, it's just that well, life happens and before you know it, it's August! But I've been thinking about it and hope you always know how much we love you and think about you constantly.

Two months ago, you turned the big 0-5. Wow. I simply cannot believe where the time has gone.

I love to watch you learn and grow each and every day. You are such a bright spot in our day. Whenever I suggest we do something, you are so eager to learn more about it, ask questions, and give it a try. You still love to be with us and that is something I've been trying to cherish each and every day... because I know there will come a time, probably in the not so distant future, that you will rather be with your friends. But for now, I'm going to soak you up.

One of my favorite moments with you is in the mornings each day. I'll be getting ready for work in our bathroom, and I can always tell when you're coming... the door handle turns ever so slightly as you try to hold onto all of your things while entering. You trudge in with your two blankets in hand and usually your giant stuffed dog Popcorn or your little pink stuffed kitty 'Earring'. You walk right past me, with your crazy hair and scrunched up face, and lay down in Scott's closet. You just lay there and watch me get ready, just content to be close to me. Some mothers might get annoyed that they have no private time, but honestly, I love to just be close to you too.

Another favorite moment of my day is when I pick you up from school. You sometimes just hear my voice or a friend mentions that I'm there and you immediately drop everything you're doing and run into my arms. It is the best feeling in the world.

Finally, I love to enjoy various adventures with you---going to Valley Fair, the movies, or a play... you have so much energy sometimes and excitement that you can hardly contain yourself. It's why we keep a healthy stock of bandaids on hand. When you get excited about something, you do this hop-jump-skip thing, like your body just can't control itself, and often times you get hurt. But it's super cute at the same time.

In just a few short weeks, you'll be off to kindergarten, and I know things will start to change. You're going to learn so much, get overwhelmed, make amazing new friends, and have a lot of new experiences. It makes me sad to think about how quickly you are growing up, but I'm so excited for you too. I can't wait to watch you thrive and see what you become.

Happy 5th birthday!
Mom