‘Where does the time go?’ ‘Time is a thief.’ ‘Enjoy them while they’re little.’ ‘Time flies.’ ‘They are only little once.’ The most cliché of phrases that I took with a grain of salt until I had children. I thought they were things people said just to say something about you giving birth, things to fill awkward silences, and I’d inwardly roll my eyes and smile like the polite woman I was raised to be. I never knew that these were the truest words ever spoken, and I’m deeply humbled. 

Elle is 5, and she is no longer a toddler, but a child. How did this happen? My Baby Elle Style minus the baby. I’m not as sad as I thought because I know in my heart that I truly enjoyed every newborn, infant, baby, and toddler moment. Elle went everywhere with me and we did everything together, and I have a history book of Instagram posts to prove it. One regret is not writing her a birthday letter every year, but it’s never too late to start so here goes…

Elle, 

Happy birthday, baby girl. I hope that you have a wonderful day today at your birthday party. It’s awesome that your actual birthday fell on a Saturday and you get to celebrate with your closest friends and family. You chose a Powerpuff Girls theme and I think it’s quite fitting since you are truly made of sugar, spice and everything nice! You are one blessed little girl, and it’s been a true privilege to be your mother for the past 5 years. I love watching you grow up into a kind little human with a big heart full of fierceness. You’re never afraid to speak up, and you stand up for yourself and friends. I’ve watched you do it from afar, and it’s floored me. I know that you will never lose your voice because at 5, you already stand your ground, and I couldn’t be prouder.

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I love you Elle, and Daddy loves you, too. You light up our lives, and even when you’re not around, all we do is talk about you. I love how you taunt your dad about having 3 boyfriends and he pretends it makes him mad, I love your “WERK IT” walk, I love your horrible cartwheels that don’t seem to be getting any better, I love your obsession with pointe shoes and being a prima ballerina one day, I love that you declared yourself a t-swift fan, I love that you love to give more than you receive, I love that huge appetite and watching you eat. These are the things I’ll remember about you just as you are now. I’m excited to learn what I’ll love about 5, but I have no problem enjoying the wait.

Happy birthday Elle! Thank you for being you!

Mommy