Dear Charlie, I can’t believe that 5 years ago you came into the world looking like this: Your legs were up over your head because you were born in a jackknife position – it took days for them to straighten out!  Maybe this means you have a strong future in gymnastics or Olympic diving?? My first baby girl, I had such high hopes that you would be a girly-girl – into dolls and dress-up and bows – but you’ve bucked tradition from the beginning and chosen to play with stuffed animals instead and dress up as a dinosaur instead of a princess for Halloween. You never met a stranger.  Your love of life and joy makes people instantly attracted to you.  You can meet a new friend anywhere.  You love to run, to jump, to play, to pretend, to race, to feel the grass under your feet and the sun on your face. You love to dress-up, but as Mickey Mouse or a cat with super powers.  You love animals of all kinds, but especially any animal that lives in the water – sting rays and killer whales (mainly Shamu) are a couple faves.  Kenga, your original lovie, THE lovie you carried everywhere with you when you were little has been re-stuffed and brought back to life by Mimi and still occupies a space in your bed: You sucked your thumb up until we moved from Chicago to Texas – right around 3 you just decided to stop, all on your own.  I looked over one day and realized you hadn’t done it in awhile.  Just like that, you made a decision and stuck to it with conviction. You and Siena the cat have had a love/hate relationship from the beginning: You manhandle her a bit and she doesn’t like that, but every so often she’ll be feeling friendly and sidle up next to you – which tickles you to no end.  Your greatest hope is that the two of you become best friends.  It might happen, someday. When Baby Ella was born you were just over 2 years old.  You struggled a bit at first, but now really do love your baby sister.  It’s so fun to listen to the two of you have conversations while you’re playing – and boy does she love you!!!  But you’ve never let her forget who the boss is… The last couple years have been hard on you, what with all the change in your life.  And there have been moments that we’ve struggled – but you are my firstborn and I love you more than life itself.  I hope you know what a special role you play in this family and never stop being the free spirit that you are.  Of course, Daddy would love for you to major in something stable like finance and not get married until you are 35.  We love you sweet Char-loo!!  Happy 5th birthday to the funniest, wiggliest, happiest little girl I know!!  Love, Mom