To My Bug,

Today you turned five. And in two days you will have your first day of school. And it hit me that you aren't my baby anymore. Everyone warns how fast it goes by, but I really had no idea. Now that I do though, I also realized we are officially entering a whole new territory with our relationship. So I wanted to take a moment to make a few promises to you, setting the tone for the years to come.

First off no matter what your father and I will always love you. Unconditionally 100%. There is nothing you could ever say or do that would change that. What does that look like?

You can tell us anything. You made a mistake and need a ride home? Call us. You got mixed up in the wrong crowd? Tell us. You are getting bullied? Confide in us.

Although we will always hold you to a high standard, please know that if you fall off the wagon, we will be there to help you back up.

And I'm sorry to say, but life is going to knock you down. Things will be unfair. People won't like you for absolutely no reason. People will betray you. And you'll get stuck in group projects with literally the worst, just the worst of your peers.

But we will be there. Loving you unconditionally.

My love for you is stronger than whatever life has to throw at you. And your family will be rallied behind you every step of the way.

Because while your school years seem like everything at the time, they are just the launching pad for the wonderful life you are going to lead.

You have truly made me in to the person I've always wanted to be. And I plan to be there right by your side, through stumbles and successes, while you grow into yours.

Love,

Mom