Dear Delaney,

Delaney, today you left for Kindergarten. I know all parents wonder where the time went, but I truly wonder how it all happened. How did the past 5 years just fly by, in the blink of an eye, without me taking it all in. Or maybe I took in more than I remember, sitting here now. Because all I can sit here and think of is that those 5 years are over. Your time, at home with me, safely controlling what/who/where/when seems to have slipped by far too quickly.

And, today is your 5 year, one month birthday. And, I haven't written you your birthday letter yet. So, I'm doing it at 5 years and one month old. I hope that's okay, I think it is, because we had a crazy, busy, wonderful month. One, you're glad you didn't miss, and so that's why I'm behind.

We went to your great aunt Carolyn's house for your birthday. I love (well, we all love) Carolyn, and she's invited us for years to drive down and see her in Oklahoma. Well, with Krista in town, I decided I was brave enough to make the 12 hour drive by myself and off we went. It was fun to spend a birthday with family...it's a treat we don't enjoy too often. It was fun to celebrate a birthday at the Nuttall's with all their birthday traditions. You ate dinner on a special plate and drank out of a margarita glass.

Grandma and Grandpa Critt sent a huge balloon bouquet and you had plenty of presents to open on your big morning.

Now, on the occasion of you being five and all, I've decided what are my five favorite things about my most favorite five year old!

1. You love to help around the house. Rarely does a day go by when you haven't asked me what you can do to help me. In fact, just this evening, you told me you thought now that you are in school, Saturday mornings would be a good day to clean. Because, you're not as available to help as you once were. I am endlessly grateful for your diligence with helping, whether it's picking up toys, helping Addie, unloading the dishwasher, sweeping up crumbs under Addie's highchair, or sorting laundry. You're willing to do it all! And with a smile. And once the task is over, you're looking for the next. Thank you for being such a help. This year since Addie arrived has been easier thanks to your helping hands.

2. You are as girly as they come. I know, another cliche', but I cannot believe how girly you really are. You used to only eat strawberry yogurt, because it's the only pink one. You walk girly, with your hands flexed upwards, and your hips swinging back and forth. You curtsy when you tell me about something you did well. You dance around the house, singing, and looking to for the dress with the best "twirl factor". You love having nails painted, jewelry, purses, lipstick, shoes and clothes. You would spend every day in a dress if I let you. You love nightgowns. You are 100% girl and I love the contrast that you have provided against Jackson. You are a total opposite of him, and I love the soft, female presence you bring to our home.

3. You are tough as a nut. I know, it seems contrary to being girly, but for you it's not at all. Last month when you got your kindergarten shots (all 5 of them!) you didn't even flinch. On the very last one, you just said "Ow". The nurse was shocked at how you just sat there, but that's how you've been since you were a baby. When you got your ears pierced last fall, you were so excited, despite all my warnings that it would hurt, you didn't cry. You even said it didn't hurt (although I could tell it did). You are amazingly brave. You hardly ever get scared. You aren't fearful of anything. This month, when we were at Bear Mountain Ranch, those horses were 5 times your size, and I was scared of them. But, not you. You loved to be next to them, petting, feeding, and grooming them. I am proud of your fierce spirit. I hope you are never afraid to try anything.

4. You are at an age where everything you say is so funny, and yet so smart. Having spent the week in Oklahoma last month, we got to see many huge, "bible belt" churches. Huge churches with big crosses out front. Right near Aunt Carolyn's house was a cross that stood at least 3 stories high. About 4 or 5 hours into our trip home, you piped up from the backseat.

"Mom, did Jesus die in Oklahoma?"

"What??? No, why would you assume that?"

"Well, that big cross by Carolyn's house. I just thought, maybe, that's where he died."

The question seemed so funny to me, but then, as I think about it, I can see why you think he died there. That's probably one of the biggest crosses you'd ever seen. It's amazing to me the way you take everything in, and then the sometimes funny way it comes back out. Like tonight when I was trying to explain to you what being electrocuted was, and you said, "Oh, I'd become a light bulb!". Well, sure, if that's how you sort it out, for me it's close enough.

5. Joy. Delaney, all 5 of my favorite things could have just been joy, joy, joy, joy, joy. You are nothing short of joyful. You are rarely sad, angry, or resentful. You are simply put - joyful. You assume the best, even if the worst is intended. You are quick to forgive and even quicker to ask forgiveness. You are wise beyond your years in your understanding of feelings and empathy. You are so happy, that when you get sad, I am sure to listen because I know it must be something really important. You fill our home with joy and happiness, and I am so thankful for that. You bring a light into mine and Dad's life that is unique to you, alone, and I look forward to it every single day.

Happy 5th (and one month) Birthday, Laney Bug.

I love you.

Mom