Monday, August 22, 2011

Dear Paige,

You and I have been counting down to this day for quite some time!  But now that it is finally here, I can't help but feel a deep sadness inside of me as I say goodbye to your first phase of life here with us... 

I remember when we took you to the beach with us when you were just 6 weeks old, and how cute you looked in your little swimsuit and hat!  You were such an easy going infant - so content and happy just about all of the time!  You were a dream first baby.


And then when we had our adventure in Colorado you were our little buddy and we did everything together! That's where you learned how to crawl...

And where you had your first Halloween!  You were just about the cutest little flower that anyone ever did see.

You were constantly giving lovies to Daddy, just like you still do!

Then we moved to our little rental house in Mesa just a few weeks before your first birthday.  I remember you walked for the first time that night after everyone went home from your party -we were so excited!  And when I put you to sleep you laid down with your eyes closed but you had the biggest smile on your sleepy face.  You had a great 1st birthday for sure!  Loved by so many!

You were such a sweet and hilarious little one year old - always making us laugh!

Of course we couldn't forget your balloon obsessive phase - you LOVED balloons and would squeal every time you saw one!

You were convinced that Mr. Scarecrow was your best friend and insisted on giving him a big hug and kiss everyday that he stood watch by our door.

And we insisted on dressing you up as a chubby little chicken for Halloween that year...


 Daddy and I will never forget the day we took you to the little carnival.  You were so curious and adorable in your little boots.  You loved everything we did that day.  That will always be one of my favorite days with you.


Then you turned 2!  And you spent the whole year in the world of dress up - and there has been no stopping you since!


When you were 2 you became the best big sister this world has ever known.  You loved Calvin the moment you saw him and you two are still the best of friends (with a few interruptions of sibling battles).


 Then when you turned 3 you had your first haircut (finally, it took some time to get it growing!)!


And on your first day of swim class you did... not so great.  But you LOVED it by the end and were swimming like a champ!  You are such a great swimmer.

 You continued to be our little silly goose with the bright blue eyes and curly golden hair.
 And you would always come up with funny little poses every time we tried to get a picture of you - such a ham!

You wrote your name for the very first time and I remember being so shocked and so proud of you!  I had no idea you could do it!  You have always surprised me with what you are capable of!

When you turned 4, Daddy and I took you on a date out to dinner and you chose to ride the carousel all together afterwards.  It was so much fun to be with you that night!

Once you were 4 you started to become your own little women and began making friends anywhere you could! And you are so good at it - you are such a sweet loving girl to your friends and they love you so much!

You became a big sister again and I will never forget the howl you gave out when we called you from the hospital to tell you the news that the baby we were told was going to be your little sister came out to surprise us as a little brother!  You were so upset!  But once you got to the hospital to hold little Jack you have been his second mommy ever since and he lights up every time he sees you.

You got to go to Disneyland for the first time in your life and I have NEVER seen you SO HAPPY!  You got to stay out late with me and Daddy and went on all the big rides - you were so brave!  I will always remember you grabbing my hand as the ride was about to take off and telling me that it would be okay because you would hold my hand the whole time, and you did!  So glad to have my little buddy!
 Then before we knew it you were turning 5, graduating from preschool, and having the summer fly right by us, full of swimming and fun!

And now here I am, blubbering as I set our your uniform and your cute little panda backpack that you chose all by yourself for your first day of school.


 And as I give you one last kiss as you sleep this night, clutching your pink bunny, I can't help but be flooded with all those memories and how sad it is to say goodbye to my little girl... 

My sweetheart, I know you are going to love this whole new world of learning that lies ahead of you!  You have always had such a desire to learn!  You radiate with joy and happiness and people can't help but love you and that will make meeting new friends so much fun  There will be hard days, and there will be sad days, but never forget how much me, Daddy, Calvin and Jack love you and that we are always ALWAYS here for you.  I can't wait to hear all the stories you will have to tell us when we pick you up each day, and to get to see you blossom even more into the grown up girl that you are all too soon becoming.  I love you my little Paigey-pie.  Sleep tight sugar, and I will see you and your whole new world tomorrow.  All my love to you sweet girl,

Mommy

4 comments:

f said...

im crying. real big fat tears.

youre such a good lil mommy ;o) (i can tell by this post alone)

good luck with the first day of school!!

mamafor said...

You lucky Forbis kids! You have the most wonderful mother. My heart has been touched tonight as I read the sweet tribute of love to little Miss Paige. It gives a grandma such peace to know that her grandchildren are so loved and enjoyed by good parents. Thank you Amy and Pat for all you do as parents. Grandma Forbis

Chelsea Armstrong said...

Oh you big cheeseball. I also teared up.

The Kemptons said...

Amy she is so cute. She looks just like you as a little girl. And I want your kids tan skin. I hate that my kids are growing up too. Time goes by way too fast. Kent went to all day Kindergarten, Katie went off to preschool. And luckily my other two are not leaving me for awhile. You are such a great mom to record everything. I need to be more like you.