Scarlett turns five!

5…I can’t believe it. 5 – We’re talking pierced ears and love letters from boys, here. We’re talking being enrolled in elementary school and asking for high heels (even if they are only the “little ones”). Five is the age parents anticipate…to me, it's always felt like the start of real kidhood. And while something undeniably feels like it’s ending by you turning 5, there’s a whole heck of a lot that’s just beginning, goose.

I know they say that you’re not supposed to be friends with your kids – but you’re my friend, kid. I like hanging out with you. You’re funny and gregarious – you’re smart and beautiful and you put my sense of fashion to shame. I’m so proud you’re my kid. You are way more awesome than I ever hoped you could be. I like our daily commutes. I like when you think I said something funny because you make me say it over and over and over again (and I like that you always laugh as though you've just heard it for the first time). I like that you cry when your “heart is just so happy” (actually, I like that a lot). I like singing along to the radio with you (and I secretly like when you mess up on lyrics – just so you know, all the other kids with those pumped up kicks do not, in fact, run “faster than the udders”). I think that’s what makes it easy for me to pick your song for the year – I see you singing so much. I see the songs that are important to you…the ones that clearly move you. This year's song is no exception.

So, goose, please know that tonight - you are young. Light this world on fire, kid...burn brighter than the sun. Please know that this world is forever on your side. I know that I won't always be all that you've got - but if you ever (ever, EVER) feel like falling down - I'll carry you home. Tonight and always. Happy birthday, goose.