5

5.

She's 5. I don't know why it's so amazing to me, but it is. My little girls is five. She turned 5 last week.

There's something about 5 years that makes it seem really official. I remember feeling the same way 5 years after graduating college, on my 5 year anniversary, and now on my oldest daughter's 5th birthday. I guess I am "officially" a mom. All those years of dirty diapers, stained carpets, sleepless nights and endless rounds of princess dress up seem to finally count for something. Maybe I'm just reeling due to the fact I'm going to be hitting my own major milestone in a few days, but I have been doing a lot of soul searching and 'stock taking' lately. Here's what I've come to realize...

It's been a jam packed (and at times a bit bumpy) 5 years, and Sydney has had to go through it all with me. She's my life, my sweetheart, my little one, my friend. I'm so glad I've hade the opportunity to be with her these past 5 years and I'm even thankful for the sacrifices I have made in my own personal goals and dreams to do so. I don't regret it one bit--even on those typical 'stay at home mom' days when you look at all your old acquaintances, friends, and coworkers reaching new heights and new horizons and wonder what your life has come to. I'm so thankful I've had the opportunity to watch a beautiful, loving (and spirited) little baby girl grow and learn and begin to become a sweet (and still spirited) little lady. I can only humbly hope that I had a bit to do with it and that the Lord is pleased with me as I try my best every day to help her reach her own potential as a beautiful daughter of God.

Sydney will be starting a big adventure in the fall--she's starting kindergarten. I had so many well laid plans for my own life once kindergarten started, and now with it staring at me in the face, I can't help but wish for another year or two...