five

Our little girl turned five last week.

And I'm feeling old, and a little sad, and a little tiny bit in denial about it.
She is getting SO big.

She requested a date night with both parents.

craptacular picture courtesy of my iphone.
holla.

We took her to see a local children's play, Anne of Green Gables.
Dylan and I thought it was ridiculously horrible. 
Think screeching felines in heat.
But Harper loved it.

Puffed sleeves and all.
Success. 

She also requested a family dinner complete with Lipton noodle soup, mandarin oranges in 'tiny cups,' and bread sticks.
Because we're fancy like that.

She chose to decorate cupcakes in lieu of a cake...

 

...which was not that surprising because of her love for all things artistic.
And her love of cupcakes.
Duh.

This has been a big year for Harper. 

She started going to school full-time at an art-based school that she LOVES.  Her teachers told me last week in her conference that she is a 'model student' and is very helpful with the other kids.

She learned all her letters and sounds this last year, due in large part to her amazing preschool teachers. 
She is starting to read simple words and is very excited about it. 
She also can sign all of the letters. 

She enjoys coloring and painting. 
And anything makeup, pink, or sparkly...

princess slippers for her 'how to be a princess' movie

lip gloss

our budding photographer

...oh, and unicorns.
Creeeeeeepy.


Some things about the birthday girl:
Harper writes with both hands, and hasn't decided yet which she prefers. 
Beautiful long hair is on her wish list.  She has been growing it for 3 years and it is almost to her bum.
Everywhere we go people comment on her beautiful hair and her eyelashes...they're outrageous. 
Consequently, I am jealous of both.

If I had to describe Harper in 5 words they would be:
-stubborn
-independent
-sarcastic
-smart
-short fused (yes, I am aware that is 2 words)

If Dylan had to describe Harper in 5 words they would be:
-beautiful
-obstinate
-silly
-dramatic
-sweet (when she is sleeping)

Harper, the day I went into labor with you I took a long walk with Grandma Conklin to get myself ready for your arrival.  It was cool outside and the ground was covered in leaves. 
I stopped every so often and picked up leaves of different shapes and colors along the way. 
Really, I was just filling time until I had you in my arms. 
I still have all those leaves.

october 29 2012

outside our home october 29 2012

And every crisp autumn afternoon, I think about that walk and the moments before you were born.  I think about those beautiful leaves I have, each one different and unique.

behind our house on october 29 2012

Harper, you are a unique little person.
Dad and I have often talked about how your personality was designed just for you. 
You will never be like anyone else. 

Harper, you will likely always be my red headed beauty, strong willed and stubborn.
You will likely be spirited, dancing to the beat of your own drum.

And you will always always be my fancy little girl.

Happy birthday!

Love,
Mom