I don’t even know where to begin. So, I will begin simply with I LOVE YOU.

Six has arrived so quickly. And six feels so much bigger than all those other numbers to date. Six feels like we’ve turned a corner. It feels heavy to me. Sad. Yet wonderful. Scary. Yet beautiful. There is no going back now. No more baby. No more toddler. Just a little girl. A beautiful, smart, courageous and bashful little girl.

Your year was filled with new adventures and new challenges. It was filled with glorious triumphs and devastatingly sad, scary and hard moments. Your year was magical and mundane. And through it all you remained my little human.

You are strong willed and wild. You are kind and generous. You are emotional and grounded. You are independent and spontaneous. You are everything I can imagine rolled into one colorful personality. Your rainbow shines even brighter and even bolder yet.

Doodle, you are my greatest accomplishment, my biggest challenge, my best adventure and my whole heart.

You love reading, playing with your babies, Barbie, Dancing with the Stars, American Ninja Warrior, swimming, singing and coloring. You love to help me cook and do chores. You are a fashionista who gets dressed to impress and has a unique style, you beat to your own drum. Your imagination has blossomed this year and I often find you talking to yourself and playing house, having conversations and singing. You love chocolate, pancakes, chicken, burritos, chips, ice cream and macaroni & cheese. You love music. You love your family. You love adventure. And you love home. You are a homebody at your core, you’d rather eat a slice of toast and remain in your happiest space and place then race around town, eat out and always be on the go.

This year I wish for you continued growth. Tolerance and kindness at heart with friends. Courage and a steadfast nature as you face challenges. Focus and an eagerness to learn at school. Curiosity and consideration as you explore new territory.

Little lady, I know this, your heart is huge. Your imagination is grand. And your personality is gigantic. You brighten the lives of many. If the next six years are half as incredible as your first six years, this mama’s heart will explode.

I love you. Happy S I X.

* All photos are from family’s personal collection or professionally taken by YTW Photography. They are not for use outside of this personal blog post.