Happy, happy birthday baby...

Dear Ellie,
Another year has passed by and now, now you are five years old. Where does the time go? That is something you will hear a lot as you get older... Where does the time go? Well, bear with us older folks and I promise you, one day you will understand.
At about 2:30 in the morning, just five years ago, I counted 10 fingers and 10 toes. Weary eyed, I gazed at the most beautiful something I have ever seen and you brought tears to my eyes. With one little cry you stole my heart and changed my world.
One year later we celebrated your first year of life... Cries, steps, tumbles and falls. Giggles, gurgles, and blowing bubbles. Sips, slurps, and spiting outs. Splishes, splashes, and fuzzy warm ups. Cuddles, loves, and sleepy snoozes. Sad tears and happy smiles.
As the days and years passed you've gotten so smart. But smart doesn't even begin to illustrate your inventive brain. You are creative, who else would come up with a mermaid-princess-superhero-pirate-ballerina? You are clever, just the other day you "figured me out". Intuitive, always asking about the things that go on around you. And oh, so observant. You are always watching the world around you.
But so much more than smart, you have gotten so strong. Your bones are growing, you are getting so much taller, your feet and hands are getting bigger, and your hair is getting longer. It isn't (totally) your size that amazes me, it is what you can do with your hands... You create art, make jewelry, master the monkey bars, and ice cupcakes. Your feet, your stinky feet run fast, jump high, and wear only the most fashionable shoes.
Your personality is blossoming more and more every day! With every passing day you come a little more out of your shell. You have now started singing your own songs and dancing your own dances and lets face it, marching to the beat of your own drummer. Keep it that way and don't ever change! You are sassy and shy, sweet and silly, an entertainer and a quiet mouse.
You are so many things rolled up into one!
Your heart, your heart is still pure and loving. Your smile lights up a room and your laughter makes my heart soar. You are kind and innocent. You amaze me every day and you make me a better me.
I wish for you days full of joy, nights full of peace, and a long lifetime full of love.
I love you more than the world itself.
Love,
Mommy