And suddenly she seems so very grown up.
At almost five (her birthday is this weekend) Margot wants to be a ballet teacher when she grows up. She loves biscuits + pancakes + pretty much all soft, bready foods. She could probably eat her weight in strawberries. Her favorite books + movies are about fairies or ponies or princesses or other brave GIRL characters (always girls) doing cool things. And as it has been her entire life, her favorite color is PINK.
She will start kindergarten this fall. Finally. Preschool has been marvelous for her, but she’s been ready—both academically and socially—to move on for quite a while. I’m far less concerned over whether she will do well than I am with how her teacher will handle such a big personality. I foresee some power struggles in her future. But I also foresee enormous growth. She loves people. She loves to learn. School will be such a great adventure for her.
Her emotions run deep, as they always have, but she’s learning how to express them in more productive ways as she gets older. It helps when we model calm + empathy; if someone raises their voice at her when she’s already feeling fragile, she falls apart. We are all getting better at using our words, taking deep breaths, and giving ourselves a little time out to cry if we need it.
I don’t know if I’ve ever known someone so loyal to the people they love. If Margot decides you are her person, she will shower you with compliments + snuggles and defend you to anyone she sees as a threat. Of course that doesn’t mean she always plays nice. The closer she gets to you, the more likely she is to show you her, uh, tempestuous side. Try not to take it the wrong way…it just means she feels comfortable letting her guard down and knows that you’ll still love her when her hurricane has passed.
When I’m frustrated with her, I’d say she’s stubborn. It’s probably more accurate to say she’s determined and decisive. She likes things a certain way, and she does not like to be told what to do if she doesn’t want to do it. Gentle persuasion is always better than trying to boss her around. And, assuming we can help her channel them in useful ways, I’m sure these qualities will serve her well down the road.
She sings when she feels happy and dances when she feels silly and has “scared supplies” to comfort her when she feels afraid. (A fuzzy green blanket, Purple Baby, and a water bottle, in case you were wondering.) She delights in entertaining people and insists she is the funniest person in our family. Her energy wears me out, to be honest, but it can also be contagious.
Our family is so much better with our Margolas in it. She gives Mila courage, takes care of Ryan, keeps David on his toes, and reminds me to stop and snuggle all my babies more often.
Happy birthday, sweet girl. What a lucky mama I am to have you as my sunshine.
Oh I love this post. And my Margot. Happy birthday dear sweet girl. “Oh The Places You’ll Go”!