Dear Piper,

     You turned five...a MONTH ago.  I'm really sorry that I can't get it together enough to blog on time, but please don't estimate my love for you based upon my promptness.  

    Per usual, it's been a crazy ride this year with you.  I dedicated one of the country singles on the radio to you this summer, so whenever it comes on, I crank the volume up and sing it for you.  It goes like this:

Then you rolled in with your hair in the wind

Baby, without warning

I was doing alright

But just your sight had my heart storming

The moon went hiding, stars quit shining

Rain was driving, thunder, lightning

You wrecked my whole world when you came

And hit me like a hurricane

Hit me like a hurricane

     Just imagine me shout-singing it in a thick, redneck accent.  (The redneck accent part is important). It accurately describes certain times in my parenting journey with you.  Because baby girl, I am winging it so hard.   

     Anyway, Nana and Paw Paw bought you this Astros hat, and have you ever seen a more natural bad-ass?  I doubt it.

     Piper, I have seen more and more this year your compassionate heart and your craving for love and affection.  When I explained to you guys that your daddy lost his job, your first reaction was, "But he won't get to see his fwends anymoh!"  Another time, I told you a little story about how I tripped at my preschool graduation and accidentally flashed my chili pepper-embroidered bloomers to the crowd, so everyone laughed at me.  You told me, "Mom, if I was there, I wouldn't have waughed at you."

     Animals are your current love.  We just finished reading Charlotte's Web together (one motherhood goal: achieved!), and you took to it more than anyone.  Though I think you just love snuggling up for 15 minutes before bedtime, this has been a sweet new routine for us, and I am so grateful.  We have been bouncing back and forth between houses this summer, and during one trip to Kristen and Alan's, I realized I had forgotten to pack the book.  I told you guys we could just skip reading tonight, and I'll figure something out for tomorrow. "No, we have to read! Turn around! Let's go back and get it!"  I was so touched that I bat-turned into the Half-Priced Books parking lot and bought a second copy to keep at Kristen's. Worth it.

      This year has been one of many changes.  Your birthday arrived at the point when we had vacated our house, put it on the market, and started staying with family in Sugar Land while house hunting in Fort Worth.  While we always want you to feel special and loved on your birthday, we won't always be able to swing a big, exciting party.  So I started trying to prepare you early so you wouldn't be surprised and disappointed that we wouldn't be inviting 20 friends over for some big adventure.  I told you beforehand that just our family was going to go to something fun, but it would be a surprise.  We went to a horseback riding lesson, and praise the Lord, you loved it!  Days beforehand, you made your own horse stuffed animal with Aunt Kristen, so the horse love helped us out.  You had a blast, and you were a natural. 

     You are starting Kindergarten this year (what?!), and to be honest, you are pretty nervous.  I don't know how to navigate this with you just yet, since you have always been so fearless. I'm just being positive.  I'm guessing that you'll never look back once you get started into the big-kid stuff like school.  

     Piper, you are a cool kid.  I pray that one day you will use your powers for good.  I pray that one day, you will fiercely love and defend others who need unconditional support.  I pray that Jesus will fill in the gaps (sooo many gaps) where I am lacking.

     I love you BIG.

Love,
Mom