Happy Birthday Ashlyn!! Six already? Where does time go? I remember seeing your beautiful squishy face all wrapped up snug as a bug in a rug in the OR. The doctor handed you to Daddy and Daddy put your face real close to mine so I could give you a kiss. The doctor still had work to do and you needed some tests done so we had to give you back to the nurses for a few minutes. As soon as we got back to our room I didn't want to let you go. There were a lot of very happy people ready to meet you! All your grandparents were there and some of your Aunts, Uncles and cousins too. Uncle Eli couldn't wait to meet you! He visited more than once!
This year you started Kindergarten. You were so excited to start school, but as it got closer you got more and more nervous. Not only were starting a new school but you also had to change to a babysitter and ride the bus to and from school. That's a lot of change for anyone but you handled it like a champion! Now it probably feels like you've been there forever. You love school and always have lots of stories to tell us. You're very creative because some of your stories have been really fantastic. You are already reading and writing so much more than last year. When we read together I'm always amazed at how well you're doing! Some of my favorite time with you is when we have snuggle time and read books on the couch. I think your favorite class though is probably music. You've learned a lot of new songs this year and have been teaching me and Daddy some of them too. At your teacher's conference a couple months ago Mr Lewis said you were doing very well in school but you sometimes talk to your friends when you should be quiet. I wonder who you get that from?
You are really starting to assert your independence. School has definitely made you more independent and have your own opinion. I love this about you even when sometimes its so frustrating. All three of us are working at better communication and listening to each other. Tomorrow is a new day right?
You love peanut butter! Everyday you have a peanut sandwich for lunch. You've even put PB on your hamburger! Some of your other favorite foods are yogurt, mandarin oranges, applesauce, cereal, ice cream, baked chicken legs, hamburgers, tator tots and Burgerville hamburgers, still the only burger you will have with sauce. You and Daddy also love your gummy candy. Still not the most adventurous eater, we're hoping now that your SIX you will try some new foods. I'm looking forward to the day you want to try real sushi!
You still LOVE your stuffed animals! I've lost count of how many you have. When your naughty you lose a stuffy and it goes into the closet. There are times (like now) where you have more stuffies in the closet than you do in your bedroom! You earn them back by doing your chores, brushing your teeth without a fight, bringing your papers home from school, etc.
You are still an early riser. Even on the weekends you're up before 7am. Daddy and I would prefer to sleep in but you have us up and out of bed instead. You are definitely a morning person! So happy and talkative in the mornings. You get crabby when you're tired. You sure can stay up late though. When you had a sleep over with some friends you and Hailey stayed up talking
all night! You made it till midnight on New Years Eve!
You still love wearing dresses. You would wear a dress everyday if you could. We compromised though and you wear jeans or leggings on PE days. When its really cold outside we just layer you up. If its cold and windy at our house, its colder and windier at school.
You are finally solidly on the correct side of the Civil War! You are a DUCK!!! But its ok to root for the Beavers, as long as they aren't playing our Ducks, right?
Daddy and I have been keeping the biggest secret from you for months! I almost can't stand it anymore!! I'm super excited! I haven't been there in almost 10 years, since before we moved back to Portland from Santa Monica. We're telling you this Sunday night. Since Daddy is at a conference today and won't be home till late we're saving your birthday presents till Sunday. I'm planning a scavenger hunt and you are going to LOVE it! Can you guess what it is?
I've loved watching you grow into the six year old you are now and I'm looking forward to seeing the young lady you are going to be. Being your Mama is the best job I've ever had! I love you!
Birthday dress for school this morning
