An ode to five

Dearest Tatum,

Before you were even born, I knew you would be the best thing that ever happened to  me. Baby couldn’t wait for you to come too! There he is…on the tippy top of your cake.

So then, 5:47 pm, November 22nd, 2012,

you entered my life….

I cut your cord and your were now a part of me. My life.

Our eyes met, and we bonded forever.

My little love bug….

In five years, we’ve been through so many experiences. Daily. Minute by minute.

The mornings with Coti…

Our Sundays….

But, do you know what is the best part of our lives?
The day in day out. Every. Single. Day.

At five, I know that you are becoming more independent. You may not need me to carry you or hold you as often. You may not need me to cut your banana or put on your shoes. You may not need me to draw you a circle or unscrew your water bottle. But, I know that our relationship will continue to morph into something more beautiful. Perhaps  our bond will only grow as your needs might lessen for dependence, your heart will grow towards love,  joy, and strength.

What I do know is that the mission for your life has not changed. I posted on your wall these four words:

And this mission statement

and….”You were created for a purpose.” (Matt 5:14)

I knew this the minute I saw you. Your vibrant personality; your creative mind; your spunk and charm, and might I add…your inner and outer beauty. The minute you walk in a room, you exude energy and brightness.

You turning five created in me a bittersweetness. I will continue to miss the toddler in you where you would attempt to speak in complete sentences. And now you are almost reading and will not rely on me. We will celebrate each day with our “cavotion” as you say (she means “devotion) and our oatmeal. We will still have our fun days since I know they won’t be during the week. We’ll still do crafts from our art cart. We’ll always read many books together and still snuggle at night.

I love you, Tatum Isabella Knight. Five years has flown by, but it’s only going to get better and better as we grow closer and our family grows as well.