The Princess is 5.

Today Grace turns 5. These past 5 years have been our little experiment. We've learned what to do, and what not to do. Grace had to walk the gauntlet of, "Jake and Sarah, The First Time Around". Poor girl. I remember the day she was born and the first time I felt angels in the room as she was brought into the world. I remember carrying her in a baby carrier and going on walks, and talking to my baby Grace who didn't talk back to me yet. I remember her blessing, her first tooth (7.5 months old), the way she always spit out the carrot baby food and how annoyed I would get!

I remember how she was then, how she is now, and all the time in between. That is the gift that she has given me as a mother, and I want to thank her for that. She has an unquenchable fire inside of her. A fire to do good, to stand up for what she wants, and of course, unbridled emotion that only comes from being a 5-year-old girl. Now through tears, here is what I've learned from Grace so far:

I have learned that the food groups have changed, and consist of mainly bread.

I have learned that friends are defined only as people your own age who are within 100 feet.

I have learned that baby lips are to be snacked on, and if it's your own child??, snacked on several times a day.

I have learned that in the mind of a little girl, the schedule for the day is very clear: Have fun, and eat whatever you want.

I have learned that taking care of your little sister means taking possession of her toys, as well.

I have learned that having a smart little girl with a perfect memory can work to my disadvantage.

I have learned to calmly accept a screaming, writhing meltdown as completely normal.

I have learned that after spending a lifetime with her, I will be the luckiest mother on earth.