Five years ago today you stole our hearts. As you gazed at us with your blue eyes, we each felt a love for you stronger than we ever imagined possible.
A year later we were helping you take your first steps, getting glimpses of your thoughts and feelings through words and signs, and sneaking in as many last baby snuggles as we could.
I'll always remember you at two, with your still chubby cheeks, enormous smile and unending chatter. You were so curious about the world and so poetic with your thoughts. You also surprised us with your immediate, intense love for your baby brother. We couldn't have imagined how much love we would receive watching you two grow closer.
At three you blossomed into a young girl, proud of your move into preschool and Sunday school classes. You danced with abandon, tackled baby Gavin and Daddy with gusto and dreamed of becoming a real princess.
The next year, as a four-year-old, you spent hours and hours running through the house wearing fancy dresses and butterfly wings, performing for all who would watch. You asked us just as many questions, growing ever more curious about the world around you. You made us wonder over and over how we ever got so lucky.
And now, at five, I pause daily and quietly watch you. You have such passion for life, something I hope you hold onto always. You're compassionate, so in tune and concerned about others that I wonder if you'll meet a vocation of social work, medicine or even ministry. Your heart beats for Jesus, so much that it often catches me off guard. Your faith has strengthened my own faith. You love to sing, dance, pour through books, watch classic movies snuggled at my side, and crawl into our bed in the middle of the night for just a few more cuddles. You're curious, smart, spunky and strong-willed. You're beautiful.
We love you more than we could ever say.
Happy fifth birthday, Natalie Jo.
2 comments:
Happy Birthday to your FIVE year old!!!!!
Beautiful post, Amanda. Beautiful daughter. 5! So much fun ahead...
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