Happy 4th Birthday Nora!!!

Dear Nora,

Today you are turning 4! I can hardly believe it. On this exact day just a few years ago I was not yet a mommy. You made me a mother, Nora and I adore you for that. You were always so special to our hearts...from the moment we found out we were having you. And then you appeared-with a head full of red hair and a sweet personality. You stole our hearts, baby.

I spent every waking minute with you, much like I do now. I had such deep desires to nurture you and give you all that you needed. You were completely in love with me but equally as in love with daddy. You slept with him alot and he played his guitar for you daily.

You were a good baby. We brushed your hair every day and changed your clothes often. You gave us both a stronger connection with Jesus because we were constantly praying over your life. We still do, and I hope you always know it.

4 years ago today you turned our family of 2 into a family of 3. It was just the three of us, living far from home and we loved it. We loved spending time with each other and soaking up every bit of you.

Today you are 4 years old. Every year I beg you not to grow up. You tell me you have to. You are growing before our very eyes and you are beautiful. You make us more proud each and every day. Big changes have happened in the last couple of months in our family. You are used to it. You are the most resilient little girl I have ever known. From the Marine Corps & your daddy leaving, to moving across the country, sleeping wherever we were, to having a cranky baby brother, to moving yet again and now a new sister...you have always shown such grace! You are amazing and I am more in love with you now than ever before. I cherish you, lady love.

I am so proud of the sister that you are. You are loving, gentle, helpful, kind and patient. I hope you are learning much of this from me but I know it is just who you are. God made you incredibly special and unique! You have a HUGE calling on your life and always have. I cannot wait to watch you grow and see your plan unfold...

Please just don't grow too fast. I want to enjoy these days with you. These days of learning, changing and playing. I think 4 is officially the age when you are no longer a 'baby,' but you will ALWAYS be my baby. Always. And I will ALWAYS do anything for you. You are my sweet sweet gift. I thank God for you every single day. You have changed my life forever and will always be one of my greatest accomplishments.Happy Birthday, baby. We love you with all our hearts...

Mama.