5

Oooooooh Ruby. It's your special day. The day above all others. And you're turning 5. Daddy and I started a tradition awhile back where we decorate your room with streamers after you fall asleep the eve of your birthday. We call it "streamerland". And you know how Dad is, he doesn't just sort of decorate, he REALLY decorates. There are streamers everywhere, you have to part them all the way from your bed to the door in order to get out. Like icicles hanging from the ceiling. I reminded you that this would be happening tonight sometime after you went to sleep. Of course, you can't sleep anyway. You're still awake kicking the wall, I can hear you.

What a year it's been! A year of learning a bit of reading and writing, a year when your obsession with drawing has surfaced and held your dad and I in amazement. You have us in your clutches. I am convinced there isn't a soul on earth, having gotten to know you, wouldn't fall down at your feet and want more of Ruby. More of your heart, more of your mind, more of who you are. You're an amazing feat of humanity.

Happy Birthday, little one. Onto Kindergarten and who knows what else. Please just know that every inch of you is loved so fiercely, there's no more room in this little house to contain it.

xoxo

Mom and Dad.