Now We Are Six

I'm not ready for this, but what choice do I have? Time marches on. My little girl is now 6 years old and perfectly ready to take on the world, thankyouverymuch. My oldest boy is so careful and cautious and checks and rechecks every move he makes day to day. He is not quite ready to spend the night away from home and he very much needs and loves his mom (this momma's not complaining!). Paige, meh...she's good. She is so self-assured and confident. She meets a kid in the park and is immediately best friends, knows her whole life story, and is ready to have a sleepover. Oh, did I mention she's only talked to this "friend" for 45 seconds? She went with me to H&R Block several months ago and made a fast friend in the waiting area (we were only there a full 2 minutes) and she cried and kissed the girl good-bye when we were leaving, hanging on her neck as though I were ripping her away from her soul mate. She's silly and giggly to no end, and has a fashion sense that would put Anna Wintour to shame (if Anna Wintour designed princess costumes). She has figured out that tears will get Daddy to agree to about anything, and she's shockingly good at crying on the spot and then immediately drying up as soon as Daddy gives in (usually about 3 seconds). She is devoted to (extols, venerates, adores, worships - there are not enough words to describe her dedication to) her brothers. I LOVE that about her. She will be their biggest cheerleader and champion in life. So to my darling Paige, Happy Birthday, and to you - a poem I've been waiting six years to use:

AND NOW WE ARE SIX

by A.A. Milne

When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six
now and forever.