Dear Hannah,

My dear Hannah, today you are six.  SIX.  I am in sheer awe and disbelief that it has been that long since you came into our lives and made us not just a married couple, but a FAMILY.  You are truly a blessing, everyday I am aware of that.  You have such a sweet sense of humor, enjoy our time as a family hanging out at home, enjoy your time at school or dance and with friends, and are just becoming more and more of a little lady with each passing moment.

When I stop and try to think of a word to describe you, I think RESPONSIBLE.  I am proud to say that you take responsibility for what you have to do and what is expected of you.  You take the responsibility for getting your homework done, or your clothing set out for school the night before.  YOU take the responsibility of getting your snack for school together and keeping your room tidy...even when friends come over.  YOU remind me the things that need to happen on any given day.  You like to know the plan and what we will be doing in order to mentally prepare for the task at hand.  I honestly don't know many six-year-olds with this mindset.  It makes me smile to know you are so aware of what of what is happening.

You are doing excellent in school, your reading is coming along and you have never missed a word on you spelling tests.  When you did miss one on a math test, you were upset with yourself, but realized that is how you learn. 

I am so proud to say that you are a thoughtful and sweet big sister.  You have your moments of frustration, but you push past to see that your relationship with Claire is wonderfully special, and I continue to pray that it will grow even stronger in years to come. 

Two weeks ago you learned to ride a bike!  I am totally impressed by your can-do attitude.  There was a time when you were little that I thought you might be slower to try those types of things... but you are proving me wrong. 

As you continue to grow up and change, I pray that we will continue to stay close and that you will come to me with questions and concerns you might have.  With school starting this year, it is odd to me that I don't know what is going on every moment of your day.  I hope you will come to me for advice or to help with any problems you might have.  It is a completely different dynamic as a parent to start guiding your child instead of making all of the decisions for them. 

I am so proud of you, kiddo.  You add sparkle and joy to my life and I am excited to see what the next year brings.  But please, don't go growing up too fast.

I love you...

Love,

Mommy