i didn't know

sweet kinsley, you are 6 years old.  six.

this is the last picture taken of me before i became a mommy.

then, you made me a mommy.  

i didn't know i could love so fiercely.

i didn't know that even after exhausting days i would miss you so much once you were in bed.

i didn't know your dad and i would have detailed and descriptive conversations about your poop.  

i didn't know animal noises and small steps would make me so proud.  

i didn't know you would grow into this beautiful thing:

i didn't know we would be able to communicate so much through a glance and a smirk.

i didn't know you would be a bug-catching, lizard-hunting girly girl.

i didn't know you would be so artistic with a fancy imagination.

i didn't know you would be my best buddy.  someone who drops everything to run errands with me.

i didn't know you would be able to out eat your dad and i when it's spaghetti night.  

i didn't know i'd be saving things like this forever:  

happy 6th birthday, kinsley jane!