FIVE

Autumn Leigh,

My sweet first born, I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that today you are FIVE years old. I remember the first time I held you in my arms as if it was just yesterday. You have filled my life with so much joy each and every day since then. 

You are up to so much these days. My favorite part of the day with you is when we do your school work together. I love to teach you new things and watch you learn. The facial expressions you have when you finally understand something new are just priceless. And those faces come all the time since you are such a smarty pants. However, sometimes that works against you since you feel you know everything about the world. Five going on sixteen {insert eyeroll}.

When your sister was born a lot changed for you and you certainly didn't take it very well. I prayed that you would eventually begin to actually like your sister and wouldn't mind sharing the spot light with her. It took a little while for you to get used to the idea but now you adore your her to pieces. You love to play mommy to her and boss her around but yet you are so protective over her. You're such a great big sissy! Miss Avery thinks you are the best thing since... um... bananas? I don't think anyone can make her laugh the way you do!

So much has also changed for you within the last year of your life. You have seen people come and go and I was terrified as to how it all would affect you. I am so thankful to say that you took it all amazingly well. I know that you don't fully understand everything that has happened and that it does sadden you at times but you choose to keep a smile on your face and continue to see the best in people. I pray that you always do that! Please know how much you are loved by so many different people and especially by God and that we will always be here for you.

On a much lighter note, you are still crazy about many of the same things. The worlds biggest fan of My Little Ponies, Rapunzel, and Scooby doo. Then there is also your obsession with the color purple. You could live off of nothing but shrimp, watermelon, corn, and sweet tea. Seaside is how you would spend every single one of your days if you could. You are just like your momma in that way. While you are definitely a daddy's girl, your Pops puts up a good fight. And how could he not when it comes to such a fabulous little girl like you!   

What I LOVE the most about you though is your big, big heart for our Lord. There is no sweeter sound than hearing you and Aubs singing along to some of your favorite worship songs and the prayers you two say at dinner and bedtime. It makes me so happy to see just how excited you get when its time to go to church and when you bring me your bible to hear one more story. I just know you are going to do awesome things through Him. 

Mommy loves her baby bear so incredibly much. It is sooooo very hard for me to understand how quickly the past five years flew by for us. It breaks my heart to know that your baby, toddler, and preschool years are over. However, at the same time, I am so very excited to watch you continue to grow and eventually see the amazing person that you will be.