Dearest Samina,
Starting to sound like a broken record, but it truly seems like just days ago that I met you for the first time. I will never forget how I immediately recognized that same feeling I'd had with your sister: a profound sense of familiarity. Like we had already known - and loved - each other in some ancient, far away life.
Now, 5 years later, your friends and family - and old ladies at the supermarket - flock to you and your magnetic personality. Charmed by your contagious laugh and that mischievous grin, and those jolly chocolate brown eyes - and by the inspiring image of a long-haired, swirly dress-wearing girl with lip gloss carrying around a pair of Hot Wheels and kicking a soccer ball.
You are generous with your affection and smart as a whip, the ever observer who shocks me constantly because absolutely nothing goes over your head. You are wise beyond your years and - maybe my favorite trait of yours, though it's hard to pick just one - you have such a seasoned sense of irony, innately aware of life's both big and little jokes. But you are also deeply empathetic and quick to size up any situation, better and faster than most adults I know.
Not a day goes by that I don't feel fortunate to be your Mommy. Thank you for trusting me, for making us all belly laugh, for bringing such love (paired with aggravation) to your big sister, and for teaching us all how to stop and smell the roses.
Happy 5th birthday, sweet Pookie. May you always find the courage to stay true to yourself.
We love you so much,
Mommy, Papà and Sofi
