18 days of birthdays

Today Eliza turned six years old. She is the most wonderful youngest daughter i could have ever been so lucky to meet.
She has so much of me in her it worries me a bit. But as i've watched her grow emotionally and socially in this, her first year of school, i couldn't be any prouder.
I had the good fortune to be able to go to kindergarten with her for the first six months. I watched her take each step with a bit more confidence. In may when her teacher gently nudged me out of the room i sat amazed as she would sigh as i walked out the door but then as i peaked in through the windows i could see her do a little mental affirmation, an "i can do this' shake of her arms, and then run and join the circle and giggle and laugh with her friends.
It fills me with joy to see her inviting friends over to play. She doesn't go to their houses yet, she is still too worried about her allergies and i'm just fine with that because, honestly? I worry too.
I have always worried about her. Knowing that a small mistake, an accidental ingestion of some nut or another, and she could be taken from me. Forever.
This has been a year for me to gain confidence too. Confidence in other parents, in our school, our community – that they care about her too. That she can be safe without my ever-present watching. That her and i can be separate. She's taking all of it with incredible grace.
She is awesome. She is my Eliza and i love her.