Happy Belated Birthday Ashley

I realized that on Monday I didn't write my annual post for Ashley, so it's a little late. I don't think she will mind though. I am just going to pretend I actually wrote this on her birthday...

There are times when I look at you and you seem so old - you are tall for your age and just sometimes I think you are older than five. That and you are constantly telling us you can't wait to be a teenager and be able to drive and live somewhere else. Yes, you say that to us. You are going to move away from us when you are a teenager. I have a few words for that - over my dead body. You will be lucky if I let you move away for college.

And then there are times when I look at you and you seem so little. Like when you were getting your hair put up when you were getting done up like Hannah Montana on your birthday. You seemed so small and fragile.

Last night, you had a nightmare, and I barely heard you crying from our room. I rushed to your room and scooped you in my arms. You didn't want to tell me your nightmare, you just grabbed my arm and rolled over and went back to sleep. I stayed there, falling asleep myself, hoping to protect you from whatever you were dreaming about.

You started kindergarten, you love riding your two-wheeled scooter, you can make your sister cry by just looking at her. You have temper tantrums to end all temper tantrums, and when you are tired, you stop listening to anyone. You fall asleep at night by the time your head hits your pillow. You love playing in your room and often beg and plead for a few more minutes at night to play.

Your birthday this year was spent in Disney, and while you wanted some attention for your birthday, I am not sure you liked it. You seem so outgoing sometimes, and then you get really shy and clam up.

You love to sing and dance, and for right now, you want to be a superstar when you grow up. I want you to be whatever you want to be, and I will be right there beside you.

Happy 5th Birthday Ashley.