Five years ago tonight you were born. Five years ago tonight, God sent you to me and your daddy as a sweet, precious baby. So tiny, so new, so very beautiful.
We were so excited to have you, our second child, our second girl. You were sweet from the beginning. You loved being in Daddy's arms. You were a good baby, until you got tired. We quickly learned how different you were from your sister. Then, and now, you are complete opposites! Ellie liked to be rocked to sleep, you wanted to lie down alone to go to sleep. For being almost nine pounds at birth, you didn't end up being very big. You grew steadily, but slowly. You were very content to be held, and very unmotivated to crawl or walk quickly like your sister. When you turned one you were only 17 pounds, with long slim legs, and a beautiful pixie face. That fall we took this picture with all your sweet friends!
AJ,
William, Loulabelle,
Tessa, and Annie!
You learned to walk at 15 months. You remained sweet as pie, and I just loved dressing you up in one adorable outfit after another! You stayed tiny and light, and I carried you everywhere. I loved taking you places, like Kindermusik with
Miss Alana, because you always did everything you were supposed to! It was nice having a compliant child! When you turned two I was thrilled for you. You were turning into a precious little girl, and just about to become a big sister!
You welcomed your baby brother with classic Annie sweetness just a month after your second birthday. You have showed him the way, and taught him all the sweetness he knows. He adores you so much. That year you became my helper. Happily getting diapers and wipes for me, always willing to help. When you turned three I was shocked. How were you getting so big, so fast?!
You developed a wonderful imagination. Dress up and barbies became favorite activities. You could play house for hours by yourself, but you were thrilled when someone came over to play with you. You became very social, and I began to realize that your teenage years may be interesting! You requested a "Candy Store" birthday for your 4th, since at that time you said when you grew up you wanted to own a candy store!
This year has been full of newness for you. You have become a tiny young lady this year. You cross your legs when you sit. You have just enough drama in you to keep things interesting. :) You have a long list of friends, and want to play with someone every day. You started and finished your first year of preschool. You developed confidence in yourself. Your legs got even longer, and yet you still weigh only 33 pounds! Your personality is still so sweet. You are a people pleaser by nature, and hardly ever rock the boat. When you do have a meltdown, it is short lived, and usually due to being tired or hungry. You are so beautiful. Your hair is getting long, your skin is always so tan. You have a spunky, silly side of you now that is new, and I love it!
You turned five today. FIVE. I think I told you Happy Birthday about 17 times today. Tonight as I tucked you in, and said it one more time, you said..."Mom, you already
told me that!" Ha! You funny girl.
You make me laugh, you make me smile, you make my life beautiful. Your name means "Blessed with the Grace of God", and you have lived up to it so perfectly well. Happy Birthday, one more time, sweet princess! We love you!
Love, Mommy
