30 in 30: Year 5

1993:

Dear Little One,

Year Two of Great Beginnings:  go!

So, yes, despite turning 5-years-old this year, you've been asked to stay in pre-school for another term.  Darn cut-off months.  The result of this is that you're going to be on the "older" end of all of your classmates each year, which in the grand scheme of things isn't a huge deal, but you are going to make a big fuss about it until you hit your 20s.  Them's the breaks.

But to be fair, better a little older than a little too young.  I'll be honest, Little One, you aren't super mature for your age.  You are a little spoiled, and a little bit selfish, kind of still in that phase when you think that the world revolves around you. Don't worry, though, this second year will stomp the diva right out of you... sort of (she says while maintaining a blog).  Not to mention, this is the year that you discover what it's like to have romantic feelings for another person for the first time (his name is Robbie, and he becomes a bit of a prat later in life, but for now, he's your Prince Charming).

Speaking of Prince Charmings, this is the year that you really begin to discover fairy tales, and boy does your imagination run wild with it.  Remember:  you've recently discovered Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, and for some reason, this is your gateway to fairy princesses, which means this is around the time you become obsessed with (everyone say it with me now) B*tchin' Poofy Dresses.

Beauty and the Beast came out two years ago, and that really did a number on you, too.  You and your sister will learn it, line for line (heck, you two even re-enact it sometimes.  It is friggen adorable.)  It is your favorite film for years, so much so that the ballroom scene inspires you to ask your sister's best friend and your first older-guy-crush to dance with you (shortly before you accidentally poke him in the eye and run away in embarrassment).  Spoilers: this is the only time you've successfully asked a crush to dance with you, and I hate to break it to you, but you don't really become that much more elegant around romantic interests.

Around this time is the second stretch that Dad is gone for an extended period.  After his time in Taiwan finishes up, he comes back for a spell, and then shortly moves down to Florida to take up a job at his old university.  It's still a little confusing for you, but by now you're a little more old hat.  And hey - family trip part 2!  Pretty neat that you get to travel so much when you're young, huh?

Yeah.  Always try to see the silver lining in life.

I know.  Things are weird.  You can't even really read properly yet, and you're already trying to write full blown letters to express everything that's on your undeveloped mind.  But despite the fact that you still cry when you get your vaccines, and that small animals and babies scare you, you're a tough little nugget.  And even though you can't appreciate it now, your sister and your mom are still there to look out for you as life begins to make more sense (as well as it can, anyhow.) 

Chin up.  Higher this time.  You'll be ok.

Hearts and Kisses,
You.