Dear Maya,

And though she be but little, she is fierce. - Shakespeare

Dear Maya,

Happy 5th birthday, mami.  As much as I have begged you to let me cancel this day, you insisted on having another year pass.  As usual, your determination beat mine.  Really, all it takes is a little eyelash batting and an "I love you more than anything except God" to get your way.  *sigh*  You and I are in for one looonnngg ride.

You are truly one of a kind, my love.  Dainty and sweet one minute, fierce and ferocious the next.  You live to be the center of attention... until the very second someone takes notice.  You are full of sugar and, once you get past the thick layer of grit and chile, you are one of the sweetest kids I have. 

You make me laugh harder than anyone else (except maybe myself).  With one quick roll of the eyes or the astonishment of learning I will not actually be your maid forever, you and I end up on the floor rolling in giggles.

You are as smart as you are beautiful.  And, that is really saying something!  I don't know another preschooler that could out-spell or out-smile you.

You have promised to stay my baby girl forever, and I will absolutely hold you to that.  Whether you'll still stand on my feet while we dance in the kitchen... or bury your face in my neck when you're pretending to be shy... or stand by my bed at 2 in the morning saying "Hug Mama"... or even let me squeeze you before you head into school - you will always be my baby.  And, while one day I will deeply miss our arguments over whether or not it's appropriate to wear a pettiskirt or tutu every single day, I can't imagine having these discussions with anyone else.  I cannot imagine a day when we're not having a ten minute conversation over whether the light pink flower or the dark pink flower would go better with your outfit.  Or an occasion when I won't spend twice as long on your hair as I do on my own.

Maya, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty have nothing on you.  You are, by far, the most enchanting princess the world has ever seen.  And, I am so thankful to be your mama.  Yes, you are little but there is no one more fierce than you.

Always,

Mama