31 Favorite Things about Leelee - Day 30

My princess.

Your last day as a five-year old is today, my dear. And its tough to say goodbye to another year. Easy for you, but its getting tougher for me to see the chubby baby cheeks. Your fingers are no longer pudgy and stinky. You're becoming a young lady and growing up. I don't know what to expect of you at age six. No one really talks about how cute six-year-olds are, I haven't heard of any "sassy sixes" attitudes that I have to prepare for, so its all a big question mark. But, that's kind of the fun of the adventure. You're a wild card, kiddo.

In my public speaking class in college this year I had to write a special occasion speech. I chose to use you as inspiration, and I want to share the speech with you here:

Hello, I’m Jen and today

I’d like to say farewell, if I may

To someone very close to me

to the baby version 

of my daughter, Leelee

Nearly six years ago

You came home

And since that day

You've grown and grown

Through onesies and bibs

Through newborn and toddler

I knew it was coming

You grew farther and farther

Into your own

This brave little soldier

I tried to stop it

But love, you grew older

You grew some teeth

And attitude

You learned your manners

And ate solid food

Today you walk, run

And make up dances

You speak your mind

And you take chances

You've grown so much

As children do

But it caught mommy off guard

I mean, who knew

Time would fly and

In just a few days

You’ll be starting school

And learning more ways

To grow even further 

Out of my arms

But love I’m so proud

Of all of your charms

So go get ‘em kiddo,

Mommy’s ready to go

So excited to see 

You flourish and grow

So goodbye sippy cups

Blues Clues and Steve

Goodbye boogers

Along my sleeve

Goodbye wipes

Goodbye diapers

Goodbye Dora

Goodbye Swiper

Goodbye baby Leelee

I won’t keep you from

The amazing person

I know you’ll become

<3