Happy Birthday Maria!

January 12, 2014

Birthday breakfast before school.

Maria with her new swimsuit and play tea set from her grandparents.

Maria and her family on her 5th birthday.
(Auto timer with the only working camera lens...as good as it gets today.)

Maria turned FIVE! 

I know to parents of older children, this age may not be a big deal, but to me it is a BIG deal.  Maria seems to be a lot older than when she turned four.  I have always thought that Maria has an old, and very mature soul, but still, five seems too old!  

This past year Maria has grown a lot physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  She is learning about expressing herself with her clothes and her choice of words.  I have noticed that she takes the role of a leader, but only when needed, or when another child is having a difficult time.  Her preschool teacher tells me that she is a quiet observer and gets along with everyone and can do so much when given the chance (and especially one-on-one with the teacher), but doesn't feel inclined to display her talents or knowledge to others.  She can be a real spaz.  Maria is obsessive about picking at her fingers.  Maria's favorite color is now blue (used to be pink and purple). She sings constantly, and seems to always have something else going on in addition to what we have going on in the house/family (baby animals and dolls going to sleep, princesses to meet, food cooking upstairs, etc.).   Maria gets very concerned about others, and will worry about someone that she knows is sad or hurt, even if she has heard me talking to someone on the phone.  She will pray for 'Mom's friend,' or the 'sad little boy at the store.'  

When asked if she wanted a birthday party, Maria said (to my surprise) that she wanted to just have a fun day with her family and have chocolate cake with white frosting and lots of candles.  Oh, you cute girl!

Happy Birthday my sweet Maria.

We love you Maria!