Six years ago I was having a pretty rough day. I was uncertain. I was out of control. I felt afraid. And then our little miracle was born, and I spent the next six years learning that uncertain, out of control, and afraid is just a way of life as a parent. It’s a beautiful thing, though;  and it’s an every-single-waking-moment practice in letting go.

Evie, You are the most splendid little girl. You’re funny, confident, caring, adventurous, dramatic, and wonderfully kind. I am daily inspired by your take charge, can-do attitude and I love watching you grow and learn. And this year has been extra special – getting to watch you be a big sister has stretched my mama heart in ways that I never imagined possible.

So tonight, we let you pick where to celebrate your Birthday Dinner and you picked Chipotle… but we ate there last night (it’s a problem, really, the amount of Chipotle that we consume) so we asked you to pick again and you picked Hibachi. I watched you during dinner… and your eyes were so wide… and I said a million silent prayers that you would always take the World in with that much joy and wonder.

Your Daddy and I are so very proud of you. We thank God every day for allowing us to be your parents; it is the biggest privilege that we can imagine. We love you to the moon and back, Evie Lou. Happy Sixth Birthday!