Happy 5th Birthday, Ruby!

Happy 5th Birthday, Ruby!

February 4th, 2012

by lindsay

I knew you were a girl.

The day we had the 20-week anatomy scan, I knew you were a girl.

The ultrasound technician didn't tell us anything, because we told her we wanted to be surprised. She even told us to look away while she checked out your private parts. But I knew. Somehow, I knew you were a girl.

And I've got a confession, sweetie.

I cried.

I cried for several days, because I didn't want a girl. I was sure that, if I had a daughter, she'd turn out just like me.

What was I thinking?

You are so much like me it's not even funny. You've given me a detailed view of my strengths and weaknesses. You've required me to figure out some of my own issues, so I can help you with yours. I was absolutely right: Having a daughter meant having a mini-me, and it has been extremely challenging at times.

But the past five years have taught me that having a mini-me is also an amazing blessing. You've taught me so much about faith and life and parenting and the world.

It's crazy.

You push me every. single. day. You require me to practice patience, mercy, grace, faith, hope, and love...and that's usually all before I've served breakfast. ;) You're one of a kind, kid.

Today, on your fifth birthday, there's only one thing I can think to share with you:

I'm doin' my best, kiddo...

...but I'm still flyin' by the seat of my pants.

We're moving, at Mach 10, into completely uncharted territory for me. My degree doesn't cover us once you enter school.

Heck, I think my degree stopped covering us when you started talking.

You are so special, Ruby. Not any more special than anyone else, but special all the same.

Your talents and abilities are already completely evident. Your personality is as clear as the sky on a bright sunny morning.

Confident and outgoing.

Talkative and engaging.

Intelligent and clever.

Ruby, you have never, not ever, met a new person without leaving your own individual mark on them. Teachers remember your name after your first day in class. The librarians remember you from when you were a tiny toddler at storytime. The cashiers at ALDI know your name. The nurses at your doctor's office always have a delighted tenor in their voice when they call out, "Ruby Goodwin!"

Baby Girl, we went to a fifteen minute workshop at COSI earlier this week, and the leader of the workshop remembered your name five hours later when we saw her in the stairwell. She probably led a hundred kids through those workshops that day, and she remembered you.

You are an incredible little girl, Ruby. You're gonna knock Kindergarten outta the park.

And when you're an adult? Look out, World.

I have no idea what you'll be when you grow up, sweetheart. News reporter, ballerina, teacher, Mommy, writer, police woman, bus driver, President... Whatever it is, I know you're going to be great. Really, really great.