Five years old. Wait, what?!

I cannot believe I am writing your five-year-old letter. Already. How can you possibly be five?! Wasn’t it just yesterday that your dad drove us home from the hospital flying over bumps with no regard to the fact that we had a newborn in the car and that I had just had MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY? Okay, maybe he was driving well under the speed limit (he was pretty concerned about his precious cargo) but those bumps felt huge. Need I mention the major abdominal surgery again? What do I have to do to get a little sympathy around here?

This past year has been one of my favorites with you. It’s at least in the top five. When you were a baby, you physically changed so much in such a short time. Now that you are a little older, your personality changes so much more. You are a pretty strong kid, personality wise. Or, as Grammy likes to say, you are very “passionate.” There are times when I just don’t know how you are going to react to something. I’ll find myself holding my breath for a second, wondering which way your reaction will go. If we don’t have any macaroni, will you be fine with the spaghetti, or will the lack of macaroni cause a meltdown of epic proportions because how can you be expected to live in a world where there is no macaroni in the cupboard? One weekend we were playing at an indoor playground and there were these punching bags decorated to look like tiki statues that hang in one part of the structure. There was a little boy playing there, clearly a year or two younger than you and the other kids playing, and none of the kids were even noticing him. When you went charging by the punching bags, he swung one at you and it knocked you down. This was one of those moments where I held my breath because I fully expected you to get up and give that kid a talking to, you know, except with more yelling than talking. Instead, you sat there for a second looking kind of stunned and then started laughing hysterically and you and that little boy proceeded to knock each other down with the punching bags over and over. He was so excited to have a playmate, and I was so proud of you for treating him so kindly.

One of my favorite things about you is your sense of humor. You love to laugh, and make other people laugh. Which is a good thing in this family, because we tend to tease each other pretty relentlessly. In fact, that was one of the reasons I liked your Dad so much, because his family is so much like mine in that regard. One morning, after I had showered but hadn’t yet started to get ready, you came running in my room to tell me something. You stopped and looked at me like you were noticing me for the first time, cocked your head a little, and said, “Momma. You look waaaay better with make-up on.” That “way” lasted a good four seconds. Thanks for that, kiddo. You do realize that I never had bags under my eyes or age spots or any of those things that I need the make-up for until I had you, right? Also? Remember this comment when I show up to your first school dance in a robe and curlers, or lick my thumb and use it to clean your face in front of a cute boy. Payback comes when you least expect it.

I started posting pictures to this site as a way to share cute pictures and stories about you, but it has turned into something else for me. I’ve bound these pages into a series of books for you, sort of the ultimate baby book, and every time I write something I picture you reading it when you are 14 and hating me, or 38 and having your first date (yes you read that number right!) or when you have your own baby and understand the complete and all-consuming love you have for your child. That love is one of those things you can understand intellectually before you have a baby but there is no preparation for how it actually feels. Now, you are going to have to bear with me for a bit because it’s about to get all sappy up in here. When I was growing up, I was one of those kids who fervently believed that wishes on birthday candles really came true, or that if you really did find the very first star at night, you could have anything your heart desired. When I was pregnant with you there was a night where I saw that first bright star, and I wished with my whole being that you would be born healthy and that we would be the best parents we could be for you. I realized then that all my wishes, all my superstitions, every birthday candle I ever blew out again would all be for you. Because your health, your happiness, your wants and needs being fulfilled, are what will make my wishes come true. You are, and always will be, the very best thing I have ever done.

When I post things on this site, I post them from your perspective. Mostly because it’s silly and it was cute to give you a voice back when you didn’t have words of your own. Now, you have PLENTY of words of your own. Like so many words all the time. Usually with question marks at the end of them. Because of that fact, I think it is time to stop posting to this site. Five years is a pretty good run, and makes for one heck of a baby book. And your words are so much funnier than mine and I just can’t keep up with the competition anymore! I hope that when you read these posts one day, whenever that day will be, it will make you happy and maybe even laugh a little. But mostly I hope you realize just how very much I love you. Watching you grow and change is always an adventure, and I love every minute of it. I am so proud to be your Momma. I hope you have your best birthday yet and you get everything you wish for. Unless it’s a pony. Or a tattoo. Let’s just say you better run those wishes by me before I commit to anything. I love you, Madison. Happy Birthday.

Your Momma

Halloween!

For Halloween this year, I continued my tradition of portraying famous Disney princesses. Here I am getting ready. Like any good princess, I have a foot soldier to help me with my shoes. I really commit to my roles.

Here's the finished product. Can you tell who I am? Rapunzel, of course!

I went around the neighborhood to visit my subjects, and they were so excited to see me that they gave me candy. My kingdom is awesome.

And here is one of my favorite subjects, my Auntie. She was a skeleton princess. At least that's what I say. It was a great Halloween!

Rock Stars

This weekend was Cassidy's Rock Star Birthday party. I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but it was awesome! We dressed up and everything. This is my "happy, yet disinterested" rock star face.

We played musical stars, instead of musical chairs. You have to stay committed to the theme, see.

Like most rock stars, sometimes we just like to unwind and change into princess gear instead. You can only maintain the hard core rocker facade for so long.

It was a great party! Cassidy sure knows how to throw 'em!

Pumpkin Patchery

It's that time of the year when the leaves change, the air gets a bit colder everywhere but San Diego, and I take my annual trip to the pumpkin patch.

You can see I am all decked out in my Halloween gear, because nothing is scarier than a glittery Hello Kitty, right? Also, do you see how I am practically as tall as three giant pumpkins put together?

Here I am getting ready for my pony ride. Grandpa thought I'd need him in there with me, but that's because he's a pumpkin patch rookie. At least Grammy had the decency to just snap the pictures.

After all the pumpkin patch fun, I went back to Grammy's and helped her get her costume ready. This is her hat that I'm wearing, but now she's bound to be sad because there's not way she'll look as cute in it as I do!

Disneymania

Hi everyone! Mom and Dad recently surprised me with a trip to Disneyland! So I surprised them right back by riding all kinds of rides. You know, anything more than Small World was going to be an improvement, but I really went all out this trip.

As you can see, I am getting way too cool to take pictures with Dad. I would allow it as long as he stayed a respectable distance away from me.

I rode in this awesome car by Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The word to focus on there was BY Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I did not actually ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride because this car was wild enough for me.

It was an awesome day. Perhaps we can go back soon? Mom? Dad? Anyone??

Good times

I had the best weekend. I started off at Funbelievable with Sophie, Noah, Jake and Kai. It was awesome. My favorite part? This GIANT slide. I'm totally a pro, so I don't get scared at all.

I also loved getting to play with Jake. This was pretty much how we spent the entire time.

After having unbelievable fun at Funbelievable, we went up to Aunt Kim's and Uncle Steve's for Steve's birthday party. Cassidy and I started the celebration with a tea party in the garage.

Then I went swimming with Kesler. He was an awesome pool buddy. He gives Dad a run for his money.

And then we finished the night with some Mulan in the TV room. How else would you end a birthday party? It was fantastic.

Summer Days

Since we are at the end of summer, I thought I would show you my major accomplishment. Swimming with no noodle! It looks a little more like running than it does swimming, but hey, it gets the job done.



And also? I just wanted to prove that now that I can swim I am ready to take on sharks. Clearly.

Photo journalism

It's been a while since I've shown off my photography skills, so I've taken some pictures off of my sweet Fisher Price digital camera to share with you this week. First, I've gotten particularly adept at the self-portrait. With a face as cute as mine, how could I not be my own favorite model?

My next model is our dog, Lexie. She's very photogenic.

Here is our kitty Nikko who, contrary to what is pictured here, is NOT actually a zombie cat.

As much as I like the unpredictability offered by wildlife photography, I also enjoy still life portraits. I call this one "In Honor of the Inventor of the Magnet."

And clearly the silliest of all my models, that Dad of mine. He said to call him a "handsome devil" but I think "goofball" is a bit more appropriate, don't you?

Fun with Cousins

I recently spent the day up at Auntie Kim's house with Cassidy and Abby and of course we spent pretty much that entire day in the pool. And don't worry, Auntie Kim even had a noodle for me. She's awesome like that.

We had a great time in this floating sea monster thing, because how can you not have a great time in a floating sea monster thing?

Hands down the best part of the pool fun was this slide. I kind of look like I'm a bit worried about going down, but let me just tell you how untrue that is. It was AWESOME.

And come on, let's just be real. Cutest cousins you've ever seen, or what?

Mini Golf AND an arcade?!

This weekend Mom and Dad took me to play miniature golf and play in the arcade. You may not know this, but I am a mini golfer the likes of which the world has never seen. Here I am using the tried and true shuffleboard-poolstick-combo method of golfing. It's very effective.

After I beat Dad at golf, we went inside to the arcade. First up was the car game. Go ahead and ignore the "insert coin" on the screen. I have no idea what that even means because this game was AWESOME without ever inserting any coins.

I then learned how to ride a motorcycle. I loved it. Mom said something about this being as close to a real motorcycle as I'll ever get, but I don't know what she meant. Clearly I was born to ride.

Apparently the golf tournament wasn't punishment enough for Dad, so we tried our hand at a little Air Hockey.

I'm sure you can guess how THAT turned out. Poor Dad.

Bonjour, Good Day

In case you've been wondering what I've been working on lately, I have been preparing a monologue/solo from the all-time classic Disney's Beauty and the Beast. First, here is the clip from the movie:



And now here is my rendition (you totally can't even tell them apart, right?):

Like a fish

This past weekend, I went up to Grandma and Grandpa's pool in 'Mecula. This summer is WAY different than last summer in that I absolutely love the water. I have no problems going in now and will even swim with no one holding me. As long as I have my trusty noodles, of course.

In this video, I will show you my awesome diving skills. I'm clearly olympic bound. Grandpa didn't know what hit him! And Mom would like to take a moment to thank Dad for NOT holding my feet while I dive. "Not safe" indeed.

And finally, a quick video of me racing Grandpa, and leaving him in my dust. Or whatever you would call it when you're swimming. Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll give you a rematch.

Princess Abby's Tea Party

This weekend was my cousin Abby's birthday. She had a Princess Tea Party. We all dressed as our favorite princess. Abby and I both dressed as Ariel, because she is totally my favorite princess. Until at least tomorrow, when I will change my mind again. A girl's prerogative and all that.

So you know how Aunt Cece has a tea party every year? This one put hers to shame. She has NO thrones at her parties, and they don't even dress as princesses. Boring.

Here are the cousins, looking cute as ever.

We even got to color under the princess canopy. How royal can you get?

And you know that any birthday party that ends in swimming is a-okay in my book. I even slept in an extra hour the next day, so not only did I think it was an awesome party, but Mom and Dad did too!

Fun on the Fourth

This past weekend we went out with the family to our annual July 4th celebration in Coronado. It was a blast.

Here I am with Cassidy getting ready for some watery fun. I had NO problem going in the water this year. I did have a problem when I had to get out of the water, Mom, but that's another story. Let me just say this: Moms shouldn't make their kids get out of the water when they don't want to, or there will be serious trouble.

Two bathing beauties. Aren't we cute?

Here are us girls in the boat. We were quite the adventurers.

And to give you an idea of just how far out we were, here's a faraway shot. Notice our boat is powered by Brian-power. He's way better than a propeller. And I think he pushed us around longer than a propeller could have too. We were in that boat ALL DAY.

After all that swimming and boating, it was time to take a break in the tent for a movie. Only kids allowed, though. We let Mom take this one picture but then we made her leave. She's not a kid by at least fifty years or something.

And here I am on the way home. Surprised? I thought not.