You’re SIX!!
I remember how stoked I was to have another baby coming into the family. With Alyssa already 3-years-old, walking, and talking, I was missing the tiny hands, tiny feet, and that baby smell that Auntie Gemma just adores. With five nephews (and two tomboys) under my belt by that time, I had no idea that a princess was about to be born… nor did I know that I would fall deeply in love with you!
You were born on the first day of Summer in 2003, hence your name. From the moment you came into this world, you were absolutely gorgeous. You were this half-Filipino, half-English, fully lovable bombshell and you knew it. People drooled (sometimes even slobbered) over you. Everyone wanted to hold you, kiss you, and make you smile! Oh, that irresistible smile!
Of all the kids, you were the one who fell in love with me just as quickly as I fell in love with you. As a baby, I don’t even recall you ever really crying when I’d kidnap you from your parents for a little while. In fact, I remember a few times when you cried when you had to leave me! For someone who calls herself the world’s greatest auntie, you sure do know how to boost my ego. And at six years old, you still love your little old Auntie Gemma. Funny how things change as you get older — now you’re the one always making ME smile!
I’ll never forget (nor understand) why the easiest way to put you to bed was to turn on the vacuum. I will never stop telling people how you have the best “bed head” I’ve ever seen in my life. I love that you’re such a little fashionista and immediately want to wear everything I buy you. Even more, I love that you compliment my boots, outfit, purse, or earrings every single time you see me. You have this way of making me feel beautiful even on days that I feel beyond fat and ugly.
I love that you call soy sauce “silly sauce” and that the Filipino in you has no problem just having it with rice on a regular basis. I love that you cry every single time that you and Kayla have to say goodbye — it reminds me of a relationship I once had with one of my cousins. I love that you love Snickerdoodles like me and I especially love that you like to eat the outer part of the cookie and give me the inner part. (One day you’ll realize that the center part is the softest and most delicious, but until then, I will gladly continue to eat the centers of your Snickerdoodles!) I love that you’re not shy — you’re the easiest to bring around my friends! Although, there was that one time at Six Flags Marine World where you randomly went up to this couple and asked them for some popcorn. Haha! Thankfully Auntie Gemma always watches you closely. :)
I love that you’re courageous and social, like me. You make friends quickly and you’re not scared to go down waterslides by yourself. You’ve got just enough tomboy in you for a six-year-old — enough to try and wrestle with your brother Anthony.
But ultimately, you’re my girly girl. You like to do your nails, fix your hair, and make sure all your clothes match. You love Barbies and playing dress-up. You even planned a wedding and made sure I got an invitation.
I love you, babygirl. Happy, happy birthday!
Read More5 Going on 25.
Thanks, Roy, for emailing me the picture!
(Click for larger image)
My 5-year-old niece Summer spent this past weekend with us and it always amazes me how she’s not really a toddler anymore. Instead, she’s like this miniature grownup. Her and Kayla both. The conversations the two of them have together are really quite amusing.
Here are a few snippets of my favorites from this one weekend:
K: Summer, did you know you’re part of my family?
S: Really??
K: Yes, because my dad is your dad’s brother.
S: Ohhhh… because they’re both silly??
K: NO!!
(Kayla is laughing obnoxiously and matter-of-factly.)
K: It’s because they both have the same truck!!
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This one needs a little background. I took Summer to the potty to go “number two”. After wiping her butt and getting her all situated, I helped her wash her hands. After I hand her the paper towel to dry her hands, she looks up at me all confused.
S: Aren’t you going to wash your hands, Auntie Gemma?
G: Well, I just washed my hands with you. Do you think I need to wash them again?
S: Wellllll… probably.
G: Why is that?
S: Because sometimes when I wipe my butt after I go “number two”, I get poop on my thumb.
Needless to say, I washed my hands again. How could I argue with that?!
Read MoreSomeone’s Getting Married!!
My 4-year-old niece, Summer, called me to share the great news. I’m sort of glad I missed her initial call because she left me this voicemail message. Now I have proof!
In case you didn’t catch it, her wedding is in June and she’s sending me the invitation in the mail.
Kids, man. Gotta love ‘em.
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