Dear Ady,

I really can not believe you are turning six.

If I could give 5 words to describe you during your fifth year on this Earth they would be: thoughtful, resilient, creative, obedient, and bright (bright in intellect, common sense, and spirit).

This was my favorite season of being your mommy -- just when I think it can't get any better, it does. I have to continually remind myself that I am your mommy and not your sibling or friend. Although we have grown up together, your self-discipline and maturity exceed your years.

You are by choice a second mommy to your little brothers, filling in my gaps in a way only a big sister could. You are a perfect role model for those two silly boys.

You have grown taller than our kitchen bar, and it makes me a little sad that you couldn't see over it when we moved in.

You have made many changes in the past year from leaving Metro to homeschooling and then going to Jenks. You have thrived with every change and can't tell you how proud it makes me that you are so adaptable.

Your pallet is maturing and you have discovered that you like many new foods. You willingly try anything I put in front of you, and encourage your brothers to do the same. Salad and sweet potatoes are your most recent finds.

You still have the immune system of an ox. Since you were a baby, you have been able to sweat out sickness with an evening fever. We had a couple of those this year -- I think you only subsided to an ear infection.

You have made friendships, and have learned to nurture them with love and attention. You have also begun to realize that some friends are only for a season.

We tell you everyday that God has blessed you with beauty and brains, but what makes me most proud is the character and integrity you have developed. Nothing makes me more proud to see how you act when you think no one is watching. Mommy has eyes and ears everywhere.

You can spend hours on end creating: painting, writing, cutting, and designing. You are left handed, and I am starting to see a lot of right brain dominance. As frustrated as I get at you for the daily messes left behind, I am very thankful for those messes too.

You still only wear dresses and skirts, and even though I try to talk you into jeans, I'm secretly okay with that.

We haven't cut your hair in a year, except for a trim in January. As it grows longer, I understand why Pentecostal women don't ever cut their hair. It's gorgeous. I'm really looking forward to those cheerleader ponytails next year!

You have gone from a soccer player to a very coordinated dancer. Your physical strength has increased exponentially as you have learned to perfect all your leaps and turns this year. I may be living vicariously through you every Tuesday afternoon, but I promise never to turn into one of those "dance moms."

Ad, I have enjoyed every single moment of being your mommy. Seeing the young lady you are turning into gives me assurance that I am doing something right. I look forward to each year with great excitement for what God has planned for you. May He cover you with a shield of protection and direct your steps toward his will.

Love,
Mom