My daughter Hannah will celebrate her 5th birthday in 6 weeks. When someone asks her how old she is now, she no longer says ’4′. She sometimes says ’4 and 3 quarters’, but more commonly goes with ‘almost 5′. Because, I guess, almost 5 sounds older and who doesn’t want to be older? Especially when you’re 6 weeks shy of your 5th birthday.
What is my daughter like at almost-5-years-old? She is her very own little person, and every day she strikes me with her increasing independence. She enjoys toilet humour, chocolate and the Disney princesses. She likes to colour and put on performances, in which she generally takes on the role of one fictional character or another. She aspires to be a can can dancer when she grows up, and she’s really looking forward to attending kindergarten in September. When we go out she packs a backpack full of things to bring along – toys, books and snacks that she couldn’t possibly be without.
For years now, it’s been apparent to me that Hannah would grow up more quickly than I wanted her to, and that she would always be three steps ahead of me. And yet, still, I can’t quite catch up. Still, I am constantly surprised by just how fast it’s going. Realizing it will all be over before I know it can’t save me from wondering where the time went. So, when Hannah tells me that she wants to live with me forever, and that she always wants me to take care of her, I say OK and I hug her tight. Because it really would be OK with me if she just stayed like this for a while, my not-so-little girl.
“…she likes toilet humor, chocolate, and Disney princesses…”
That made me laugh out loud. Universal likes, no? And, I think, in that order.
Awwwww, she’s adorable. Why do they have to grow up so damn fast?
.-= Summer´s last post ..Turning Me Off At The Tap =-.
I always feel a little wistful when I look at photo streams of children growing up. It does seem to happen so fast. She sounds like a great kid.
.-= Marilyn´s last post ..Passages =-.
It’s all so bittersweet. It’s nice that you have this record of her childhood.
.-= Allison´s last post ..***************Do you REALLY want to know? =-.
Our kids are so similar. Once again I wish we could get all of us together for a playdate
My 5-y-o says she will live with me forever and clean my house as her job. I am ALL FOR THAT!!
.-= Angela White´s last post ..International Delurking Week 2010! =-.
I absolutely love your blog! Hannah has grown up very much! I can’t believe she will be 5 so soon!
The photos are great and I love watching it!
She’s so cute; she’s looking more and more like you as she grows up!
.-= Jill´s last post ..All You Need is Love =-.
awww
Love how she's sleeping here Amber so sweet.
(sniff) That is so sweet!
.-= Dionna @ Code Name: Mama´s last post ..Goodnight Moon, It’s Eight O’Clock =-.
She is adorable. I love seeing photo timelines like this. Time flies doesn’t it? So bittersweet. I wish my 20 month old Hannah could stay like 20 months forever
.-= Cheryl´s last post ..The return to yoga =-.
Congrats mama on 5 years of parenthood! And happy birthday to your girl. I have to admit, I’ve only been reading your blog for a few months and I’m like, “What? She is five already? But she was just like…four.” Ha ha, it is so bittersweet the growing up, isn’t it?
.-= AmberDusick´s last post ..Paying the bills…what I do for a living =-.
Love the photo progression!
I hadn’t realized that Hannah and Q-ster are so close in age. He’ll be five in 8 weeks. Ack!
.-= Lady M´s last post ..Have Yourself an Eco Little Christmas =-.
My kids also say they’ll live with me forever, and one day they won’t, and that’s probably when I’ll really miss their being my little kids.
.-= Francesca´s last post ..How to transplant your fake tree =-.
I look at my girl and I don’t know where she came from sometimes. What happened to that baby? Was that really her? Or was that someone else entirely.
.-= Capital Mom´s last post ..Pillow =-.
Hannah is absolutely adorable! Happy Birthday Hannah
I hope you do become a can can dancer!
.-= Sara´s last post ..Today, I feel blessed… =-.
I love that picture progression! I was offered a position as a can-can dancer when I was 6 (long story), but the rule was I had to wait till I was 16 to come back and take it on. I never did go back. Sigh.
.-= Lauren @ Hobo Mama´s last post ..January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting resolutions =-.