A.A. Milne
When I was one
I had just begun
When I was two
I was nearly new
When I was three
I was hardly me
When I was four
I was not much more
When I was five
I was just alive
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever;
so I think I'll be six now
for ever and ever
The weirdest thing that ever happened to me was giving birth on the same day nine years apart. The best thing that ever happened to me was giving birth on the same day nine years apart.
It's been a wild ride with Riley, the one who taught me the most about becoming an advocate for my child. I've learned, now more than ever, to ignore what others think is the "right way" to raise my child, the "right way" to handle her, and the "right way" to deal with a spectrum issue. I've learned that she is not her issues, but she is her own self, as complicated as a person can be and yet, as open and free as the wind.
She loves all things female and girly, dollies and pink, dress up and princesses, tea parties and coloring. She's learning to read, to follow the rules at school, and to play soccer. She's Riley, and she's six, and she's wonderful.
Happy Birthday, sweetie. Mommy loves you.
I heart Riley! xxx
Posted by: lucy | December 22, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Happy Birthday to Riley! This poem is one of my favorites and such a beautiful tribute to your darling daughter. She is your spitting image! Precious.
Posted by: Kristin | December 22, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Holy cow - she looks so grown up!
Happy Birthday, Riley -- and you, too, Allegra!
Posted by: Sarah in Ottawa | December 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Happy birthday to your girls!! That poem made me cry - my son is turning 6 on Christmas. Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: MelissaS | December 22, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Awesome. Happy birthday big girl!
Posted by: Tracy D | December 22, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
Posted by: Jen | December 22, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Happy Birthday Riley!! And now we are six..
Posted by: Addy | December 22, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Awww...Happy Birthday Riley!
Posted by: Young Wife | December 23, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Happy Birthday cutie. I just think you have the cutest smile I have ever seen!
Posted by: mm | December 23, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Happy 6th birthday, Riley! I remember when your Mom brought you to church in a baby sling!
Posted by: Mary | December 23, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Wow, in my mind she's only 4! Have a fun celebration of your two birthday girls.
Posted by: Stephanie c. | December 23, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Happy 6th Birthday Riley! wow 6th!
Posted by: kyooty | December 23, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Happy (very late!) birthday, Riley! I hope to meet you someday!
Posted by: Headless Mom | December 29, 2009 at 07:35 PM