Dear Meredith -
The night before you were born, I laid awake thinking about how I couldn't wait to hold you. But I was also scared. As I'm sure you'll understand someday, childbirth is a little intimidating. But my point is this, the night before your fifth birthday was considerably more fun and less anxiety ridden. We stayed up late getting ready for your day. Late for us is 8:45, since your new Kindergarten requires your presence at 7:30. But still, we stayed up late. Your daddy wrapped your presents. He's incredibly good at that. I made cupcakes. Lemon, because that's what you requested.
You woke up early on your birthday. But because you're getting older and wiser, you didn't beg to go downstairs or dramatically proclaim your state of near starvation. At least not for 5 minutes. Nope, you crawled into bed with us (your sister was already there, because she doesn't really like to stay in her crib past 5) and we had a few more minutes of peace and quiet. Finally you and I got antsy and we snuck out of bed. I got you some of my socks, because it's cool in the mornings now, and you've always gotten a kick out of wearing my socks. We went downstairs and I started the coffee while you put toppers on your cupcakes. Rings with huge jewels for the girls, and giant plastic bugs for the boys (or vice versa, to each their own). You put the toppers on in a certain pattern, because you and all your classmates are obsessed with patterns right now.
Coffee was brewed and so I made your breakfast. Cinnamon Life, because nothing else will do. And grapes, because that makes me feel better. Then I put a ridiculously big magenta bow in your hair, so that no one would forget it was your birthday. I took it off a flower arrangement I got last week, because your mommy is the queen of reduce/reuse/recycle. By the time you read this you may be a little weary of my re-using skills, but trust me girl, you looked fabulous.
And then you were off. I have no doubt that your daddy lingered in your classroom for 20 minutes, at least, as seems to be his routine now. I have no doubt that he reinforced your status as the Queen of Birthday Land. I'll be there in half an hour with your jeweled and buggy cupcakes. Can't wait.
I love you, Mer.
Momma
10 comments:
Well, I cried.
love,
your mama
way to make me cry at work!?! Well worth it. Please give that sweet, sweet girl a big birthday hug for me. Lots of love, Jaclyn
happy birthday, mer!! i really wanted to call you, but when I was going to call you, you were probably already sound asleep.
kate - thanks for sharing such a sweet moment with us. you're a good momma!
Wow...pullin' at the heart strings again! Hope Meredith had a great birthday (which I'm sure she did). 5 years? really? You don't look old enough to have a 5 year old, super Mama!!
happy birthday mer-mer! i love you!
I'm crying in my cubicule and my cubicule is in a populated area! Not cool! Yet so sweet :)
I thought I loved this girl, and then she chose lemon cupcakes and cemented it. Love you, Mer!
-Gigi
Kate - when I get home, don't let me forget to tell you that I love you.
Happy Birthday to a beautiful 5 year old.
Love, from your Texas Friend Linda
Geez. This really made me cry, and I don't know that I would have a few months ago :) You are amazing, Kate.
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