Happy 4th Birthday, Evie

Dear Sweet Evie,

   You are four years old today! How did this happen? It seems like you just arrived.

You have been so excited about your birthday and are enjoying all the birthday love. This has been a big year for you, Sweet Girl! Last year this time, you were still sleeping in a crib with your sassy while wearing diapers. Lots of changes have occured this year.

It's hard to describe you but I am hoping that one day when you read this letter it will provide a small glimpse into how much we all love you. Evie, you are such a special young lady. Beautiful, funny, smart, empathic and more personality in your pinky than most people have in their entire body. You make us giggle with glee, sigh from frustration and explode with love all within one tiny segment of our day. 

You are the answer to my prayers! The little girl that I always wanted and you are everything that I dreamed of in a daughter. We have a close bond and really enjoy life together. Everything is fun with Evie from pedicures in the bathroom to whipping up brownies in the kitchen. Even a trip to Publix is an adventure with you in tow! You tell me all the time that you want to be just like me and elaborate on what you are going to do when you are a Mama.

You do lots of amusing things. Here are a few of our favorites:

You are taking swimming lessons right now and are doing so well. You will be a fish before you know it. You keep talking about "sacking" if your legs stop kicking. I finally figured out that you meant sinking!

Caterpillars are "patter pillars", we "close" lights instead of turn them off, a locket is your "locker" and you are already requesting a "bracelet" in your mouth just like Mary. Your teeth are very straight so not sure you will be getting a bracelet in your mouth. 

You always say, "what it is" instead of what is it when you are asking a question.  Your memory is incredible and you love to reminisce with us about what we "lember" about an experience. "Mama, do you "lember" when we rode a carriage in Charleston?" 

Evie, you love princesses, cooking in the real kitchen, wearing dresses especially pink princess dresses,  working on projects, playing school and enjoying the outdoors. You have a vivid imagination and switch between your real world and fantastyland effortlessly. Sometimes, we have to really think before responding as you can go from being Evie to Goldilocks within moments.

You loathe all the pictures that I snap of you but I keep snapping. One day you will love that your Mama captured your entire childhood on film. 

You are still very sensitive although most of the tears have subsided. The other day you were telling me for the 100th time that Jesus lives in your heart. I had just started to tune you out when you said that you hoped that Jesus did not get hurt when you swallowed your food since He was right there in your heart. It's so amazing to see you change into such a kind, thoughtful little person. You are empathic to others, cuddly, and always know just what to say. I was praising you yesterday and you chimed right in with, "Mama, you are a big girl too. I am so proud of you."

Out of all the wonderful things that make you Evie - this is what makes us the proudest! We want you to always love others and treat them with kindness. You might not always be the smartest girl or the prettiest girl but you can always be the kindest girl. Just for the record, I am convinced that you will be the smartest and prettiest girl too! Kindness is always appreciated and it will make you feel good too.

Mama and Daddy will love you forever and there is nothing you could ever do that would make us stop loving you. You will be our little girl forever even when you are a Mama one day.  

We cherish every single day that we are given to spend with you. Every day, you teach us something, give us a new perspective and bring laughter to our hearts. What a special gift, you are to us!

Happy Birthday, Evie!

Love Always,

Mommy and Daddy