Bella turns 5!

Our dear, sweet Bella turned 5 yesterday....amazing how quickly time passes and yet it seems like she's always been in our lives.  At school, they have a birthday celebration where you bring in a photo for every year your child has been alive and she walks around the class while the teacher fills in details of things you were doing that year.  It is one of my favorite ways to celebrate a birthday; a true celebration of your life.  I loved looking back at all of Bella's photos and choosing ones to tell her story.  It is a wondrous story!

Dear Bella,

You are so full of life and have the most infectious deep belly laugh I have ever heard.  You spread so much happiness in our lives; our family would never be the same without you.  You feel all emotions so fully; and wear you heart on your sleeve. 
It is amazing to see you grow and how much you change every year.  You are in your second year of pre-school and, while morning good bye's are hard; you love school.  You are quickly making new friends this year and still take every opportunity for a hug from Norah during the school day.  She is your best friend and I love the friendship you two share.  You are a great big sister to William and try so hard to lead by example for him.  He is getting big enough to play with you more and more and you welcome him with open arms.
You are learning to read and are so excited when you learn a new word!  You are also playing soccer on a team for the first time this year and are a rock star on the field!  Your legs may be short; but your spirit is huge and you give it your all on the field. 
We are so proud of you and of all that you do.  You are amazing and strong and such an inspiration to me to how we should live life each day - fully.
I love you my dear Bella; Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mommy