Can she really be 5?

 Today there are no words for the gratitude I feel to be this blossoming girl's mother. Simply put she's got it all. Spunk. Brains. Compassion. Determination. Strength. Patience. Heart!

 Mom was looking for suitable black shoes we could use for dressing up on Sunday. Ryanna came around the corner with these and we knew they were perfect for her special "5 years old!" pictures.

 For a few years I worried about Ryanna being able to handle some of the social aspects of school. This year of her attending preschool has put my feelings in their place. Maybe I'm alone but I can see that simply put I just always expected her to act older than she was. She's at just the right place to start kindergarten next year and excel.

 Last week was a crazy one. There have been more and more of those lately. Every Tuesday Ryanna comes home with a homework sheet in her backpack. She's always happy to get it out and done as soon as we get home and I hand it over to her. Well Thursday morning rolled around and we were running out the door. Palm to forehead - I had forgotten about Tuesday homework and though I knew the preschool teachers wouldn't worry about it, I knew Ryanna would be devastated not to hand it in. I calmly brought it up(preparing to convince her it was okay) to which I was shocked when she gave me a consoling look and said, "Don't worry mom I got it done and here it is in my backpack." I was shocked. It had not occurred to me that she may have taken the initiative herself and got it done. As we walked out she said, to herself I think, "What do you think my teacher would say if I showed up without my homework?!?" Yes, silly mom.

 I remember 5 years ago clearly. The calm confidence in her eyes above are exactly as she looked at me, newborn in my arms. We've been each other's every day since and I could't be more blessed than I am to be a mother.

And just when you think she's taking life a bit too seriously for a 5 year old she pulls out the old cheese smile and gets you laughing till you're sure your sides are splitting. Life holds pure joy for her. Love you my sweet girl!