I am certainly blessed to be the mother of this beautiful girl.  Every day she surprises me with her charm, humor, intelligence and love.  You can see in her facial expressions and movements, just how she keeps us on our toes.  There are moments of pure energy and then those of reflection (okay, so maybe more of the first...).  She is her own person and is fully aware of just how to express herself in her own unique way. One of the first gifts she received this year included the adorable (and oh-so-fitting) skirt, necklace and purse you see here (thank you Jacque & Emma!).  They are just like her -- fun & colorful -- and perfect accessories for a few pictures on the morning of her birthday. All mothers know the intense love they have for their children -- and I feel that every day "times a hundred" for this little firecracker. Happy 5th Birthday, Madeleine Risi.