Dear JennaBug

Jenna's 6th birthday

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Dear Jenna - Happy Birthday baby.  You turned six years old today and I can hardly believe it.  My mom always told me the years would start to go by faster once I had children, but I still wasn't prepared for blinking my eyes and finding you so grown up, beautiful, smart, and lovely. 

I was truly blessed when you were born Mother's Day weekend six years ago.  I had no idea what motherhood was all about, but I was ready to get my on-the-job training from you.

At 6 weeks you got colic and we would sit and rock or stand and walk all over the house.  Crying together.  You cause you couldn't help it and me cause I couldn't help you. 

At three months you started to smile and sleep through the night.  I thought an angel had come in the middle of the night and swiped my little demon screamer for a cherub baby full of giggles and love. Now I still see the demon shoot from those eyes like daggers when you don't get your way... but mostly you are a sweet girl that wants to please everyone with your smile and witty personality.

Did you know your first word was at 4 months old?  I am not kidding.  You would point and say "DA" for dog everytime our dog Shiner walked into the room.  Barely holding your head steady, and already you were communicating with us.  By 6 months you had "Da da" "Mamamama" and "no" down.  By a year old you could say three word sentances.  People we met out in public were amazed by your big blue eyes and vocabulary. 

When I was 6 months pregnant with your brother, we would be waiting for a seat in the restaurant and you would introduce me to the other people in the waiting area.  "Hello, my name is Jenna.  My favorite color is red.  This is my Mommy, Miranda, she has my baby broda in her tummy.  She's not fat."  Everyone would giggle at you and ask how old you were, thinking her were just small for your age, as you had such maturity.  When I shrugged and said "She isn't quite two yet." .... well let's just say I think a few people thought I was lying.  And others were shocked into silence.  Some would look at their own child that was near the same age with a look that said "Why aren't you talking as good as her?" 

And you haven't shut up since.  You watch the television and tell me "Mom, I don't think this show is appropriate for Nate."  Or you will start a sentance with "Well Mom, TECHNICALLY, it's _____" fill in your very forthright opinion on said topic. 

Everyone at your school has nicknamed you Hannah Montana.  At first I thought it was because of your intense obsession with the fourteen year old.  But I am beginning to wonder if it isn't because you act a bit like you are fourteen already yourself.

You aren't only smart, you are athletic.  You were throwing a ball to us before you could sit up.  You are only six, but you have mastered roller skating, riding your new big girl bike, and two-wheel scooter (The Razor) and are the star in your danceclass.    I honestly don't think there is ANYTHING you couldn't do if you tried.  And I am not just saying that because I am your Mom.

One thing I love about you is your warm presence and superb manners.  You know all your classmates parents names and greet them everyday when they bring in and pick up thier children.  You say things like "It's nice to meet you", "May I have ____", "Please", "Thank you", "That means so much to me", "May I be excused?"....  all without prompting or reminding.  It makes me swell with pride to see your empathy and consideration for others... whether it's to make your brother laugh when he cries, or when you give me a big hug when I do.  Your heart is so open and loving to everyone you meet... I just pray no one ever takes advantage of that to the point you stop being that way.

And even as grown up as you are... you are still my baby.  I'll let you in on a secret...  as much as I fuss about you staying in your bed at night... I secretly love when you climb into bed with me and wrap your arm around me in the middle of the night.  Sometimes I wake up in my big lonely bed by myself and am kinda sad that you didn't come.  I know these days won't last forever, and I am trying to remember to cherish each and every cuddle.

When you are tired, sick or hurt and you come to me with your sad eyes, crying for "Mommy"... I am so blessed to be the person you always look for and need most.  Everyday I thank God for that feeling of joy and pride you give me.  I pray that he protects you and never lets you hurt anymore than you need to. 

Thank you for six amazing years being your Mommy, my sweet JennaBug.  Don't grow up too fast, as I am enjoying you so much right now.

Love,

Mommy