Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Guess who had a birthday yesterday??


Happy fifth, my girl!
It feels like we have had a bumpy year.  Four has been a year for Charlotte to really try to assert her independence on the world.  Whether it be making her own lunch of jam and sauerkraut sandwiches, trying to boss her brothers around,  or thinking she can walk home from Emmett's school alone, she is showing herself to be very strong-willed and assertive.  These traits will serve her well some day and help her do great things in this world, but for now, I bumble along and do my best to reign her in without crushing her spirit.

When I think of Charlotte I keep thinking of Cyndi Lauper's song True Colours:

Show me a smile then
don't be unhappy, can't remember
when I last saw you laughing
if this world makes you crazy
and you've taken all you can bear
you call me up
because you know I'll be there

 
But I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow 

I am realizing that we push each other's buttons so well because we are so very much alike.   Charlotte is my mirror and sometimes it is really hard to face that reflection.  By helping her through this world I am finding out all that I need  to learn myself.   

The challenge of being her mother is one that I sometimes shy away from, but I will never turn my back on it.  She is my girl and I want her to shine.

5 comments:

Ami said...

What a great picture!!

Nice cake, too. Did you make it?

And Happy Birthday... five years old is a great age.

:)

Mariah said...

I could have written this post about my daughter. It sometimes is scary to see yourself reflected in your children.

The first time I realized it was when I finally convinced my friend to show me her impersonation of me (since I knew she did me) and I was shocked because it sounded just like Edie.

Carolyn said...

I will need to hear the story about the cake!

Happy birthday Charlotte!

Tamara Dawn said...

Oh my gosh this was so touching to read. I have all boys but the way you desribe having a daughter sounds a lot like how I picture it. Happy Birthday to your little princess =)

Katie Mae said...

Very cute cake!!! Very cute daughter....
And I hear you on the strong willed daughter... mine is only 1.5 and there are times when I look at her and think... "hello??? is that me in there??"