My Sweet, Adventurous, Bold, Kind, Loving, Compassionate Evie:

You’re five. Which, in my estimation, is a lot closer to those teen years than I’m ready to be. You are growing up so, so fast – and I want you to know that it is such a privilege to watch you become a little girl. You change and learn every single day; and, because of you, I change and learn every single day. You see the World (and all of the People in it) in a unique and beautiful way. It’s exciting and surprising and incredibly humbling, getting to be your Mama, and your Daddy and I are so proud of you that our hearts could burst at any given moment. This Birthday was particularly emotional for me, because it’s our last Birthday as a family of three. Our last celebration without a little Brother there to bring his own special blend of joy to the day (and, if we’re all being honest here, probably burp and toot on you). The idea of sharing these days with another child is honestly unimaginable to me – something that I am incredibly excited about… but also a little bit scared… because I have no idea what things will look like as a family of four, and I know exactly how much I love them now: spending days at the pool with you and evenings dancing in the rain. You are my delight, sweet Evie. You are the source of my smiles and my laughter, even on the gloomiest of days. God writing you into the story of this family was and is the greatest blessing I can possibly imagine. Your Daddy and I are so thankful for you, booger bear. Happiest of Birthdays to our precious Five Year Old.