Karis is 5!

Dear Karis,

Happy 5th Birthday. You are such an incredibly special part of my life. Your smile adds joy to every day. Your determination and tenacity are a gift. Here is a story that encapsulates you:

The other day we were going for a bike ride. Ella was riding her new bike and Juju had moved up to Ella's old one. This left Juliette's bike free for you. We tried you on it but it was too big for you. Your toes didn't quite touch the ground. In true Karis fashion, you wanted to ride it anyways. I got your little bike out for you because I didn't think it would be safe and didn't think you could get on the big bike on your own. We were all waiting at the end of the driveway for you to get your helmet on so that we could ride to the park (with you on your little bike). You emerged from the backyard riding the too big bike at full speed down the driveway. I asked "are you sure that one's ok?" You darted me that look of yours as you rode down the driveway and said "right or left?"

I love you little girl. I love that you read, you ride a bike, you write, you play the piano (even though you haven't had lessons yet), you swim, you stand on tiptoe when they are measuring your height at playland, and you do almost all things that your sisters do. And you never know, if you keep wiggling those teeth every night one just may fall out at a young age and you can be included in losing teeth as well.

Love,

Momma xoxo