Zero to 4.5 in 60 Seconds

At least it feels that way. My girl is 4-1/2 years old today and time is flying.

Since it kinda sucks to have a birthday ten days after Christmas, I decided to make today a little special today and celebrate E's half birthday. We started off with half pancakes for breakfast and a small gift, then headed over to the splash pad with friends. Afterwards, we came back to our house and had pizza and flag cake with four and a half candles, then played outside until dark. She loved every minute of today, and we're going to make it a tradition.

As for how I feel...I can't believe my baby, my only baby, is going to be five on her next birthday. I know that's six months away, but it seems like just yesterday I was carrying around a newborn (and wishing she would sleep for longer than 45 minutes at a stretch!) and now I have this beautiful princess who is growing up so much faster than I ever dreamed possible. I can't believe how much I love this daughter of mine. I love how her tiny hand fits so perfectly in mine, and that she's still willing to hold hands wherever we go. I love how, even though she has her moments, she's such a great kid. I love how she's so articulate and wise beyond her years. I love her silly sense of humor, like the time I was ignoring her and she tapped my head and said, "Is this thing on?!" I love how she snuggles close to me and says, "Mommy, you're my best friend." I love how she has her future all planned out, including how many kids she's going to have (three girls and two boys, although she doesn't really want boys, she just thinks it will be fun for her dad to have grandsons to play with), how her husband is going to join the Air Force and they're going to get stationed in Bryce Canyon (good luck landing jets there, kiddo!). As for me, her plan is for me to babysit the grandkids while she goes shopping, and cook for them. And I can live with her because, "I'm always going to love you, Mommy."

I can only pray to be so lucky :)

I love you, peanut.