But now I am six. And I'm clever as clever. So I think I'll be six now forever and ever.

Dear Penny:

So, here we are.  Six years old.  No longer can we count your age on one hand.  Last night we discussed transferring one of your thumbs to your other hand so that this could still be accomplished, and we talked about ideal second thumb placement and how it could be used to your advantage to play instruments, but would make holding a pencil difficult.  We've decided to keep your digits as they are for now.
This year has been the year you've discovered the joy of finding your fandom - you have become completely immersed in the worlds of Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Ivy & Bean.  We have had to ask you to put down a book to do other things on multiple occasions, and I can let you know now that few things make your dad and I happier than you asking for "just one more page" or "just to the end of this chapter" even though we have to act annoyed and keep you on target for school and meals and bedtimes.
It fills my heart to see how much love you are capable of - your careful consideration of gifts for your friends, your tolerance of your brother, and even your patience with your often slow mother give me hope that I'm doing something right.  This is the first year that I rely on you completely for reports about your day, and I treasure our time together snuggled up on the couch as you tell me all of your triumphs and disappointments.
Penny, you are funny.  Truly funny.  I would not have expected anything less from my girl with the giant twinkling eyes, but besides being expressive and intelligent, you are quick, and your timing is impeccable.  The fact that you can not only keep up with, but quite often surpass two adult professional comedians with your humor is notable.  Again, not unexpected, but still impressive every time.

I have asked you again and again to stop growing.  To stay just where you are and still fit in my lap and need me to reach things for you and have to help you, but I can feel all of that slipping away.  Five was so amazing, so full of self discovery and independence that I want to halt you right where you are so that nothing in this world can take any of that away from you.  I marvel at you.  I know there's so much awesome in store for you, and I can't wait to see it!  Happy Sixth Birthday, my girl.  I'm never going to stop hugging you too hard.