High Five

Yesterday....

And today.

June turns five today. She's just getting over a really nasty stomach virus, but that wasn't about to stop her from enjoying breakfast in bed this morning. Followed by cupcakes with her classmates at school. And goodness knows what other sugary delights the rest of the day. Her giddiness about turning 5 is infectious, but I have to say, I always get a bit sad on this day, thinking of June's birth mother and wondering what she feels on this day. I guess it's possible that she feels nothing, that March 3 passes like any other day, but I don't believe it. Does she wonder where June is? Does she see a five-year-old girl at the market and have a pang in her heart? Does she wonder if she wears her hair in braids, if she likes to sleep with her socks on, if she gets scared at thunder? (Yes, yes and yes.) If I could meet her birth mama, I'd tell her...

- how June calls Kean "babe" when they're deep into pretend play. "Come on, babe, get into the tent before the monster gets us!" Pepper gets an Oscar for best monster.

- how she always shares. Always. Even her birthday donut this morning.

- how she decided that the little girl at the end of the 'Puff, the Magic Dragon' book is Jackie Paper's daughter who he adopted.

- how she jumped off a really high stack of mats at gymnastics, reached to grab the high bar, missed and fell into "the pit." Without missing a beat, she jumped again and this time caught the bar. Watching from the lobby, I let out a squeal that I didn't even know was inside me.

- how she hums and sings when she's engrossed in something.

- how she still nibbles her Croco before falling asleep at night.

- how she brings such joy, laughter and absolute wonderful-ness to my life. I am so honored to be her Mama. Happy Birthday, sweetie. I love you lots.