Princess Everly Has a Birthday
Dear Everly,
(Or do you prefer "Princess Everly?") I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that it's been FOUR years since you made me a grandmother! How can that be?! All I know is that the past four years have been magical in every way.
I've been captivated by your vivid imagination -- you are the consummate princess/doctor/mommy. And details matter. You recruit baby Janie, Mommy, Daddy, and anyone else who happens to be nearby to dive into your fantasy world and take on their assigned role. You have "leadership skills," you know, and you're not afraid to use them! It's always a guess as to who you'll be each day -- Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty?
Beyond the land of make-believe, you've had a pretty awesome reality this past year. Another trip to Hawaii, dancing the night away at Aunt Christine's wedding, feeding the sea lions at Sea World -- you embrace adventure and new experiences with joy and glad anticipation! You are a lover of life, and your exuberant expression tells the tale!
Janie is one lucky little sister! You're so sweet, helpful, and patient with her! It's fun to see you and her playing along side each other, and Janie seems to cooperate with whatever your plans are. Of course, one day, there may be some "sister drama," but that seems almost inconceivable when I watch you two interact today. You're loving and tender with Janie, and her eyes hold only adoration for her big sister.
You've been working on all kinds of skills this past year. You're an accomplished little swimmer (you proudly showed off your new "zucchini" -- aka "bikini" -- this past summer), a prolific artist in many different media, and a savvy fashionista when it comes to playing dress up. You've dabbled in a few things like soccer (not for you) and indulged in your favorites as often as possible -- eating gelato (vanilla, of course), nail painting (alternating many colors on each nail -- again, the mark of an artist), and tackling BIG slides!
There's so much about you to love! You're affectionate and optimistic, tender-hearted and compassionate, wise beyond your years and still childlike and funny. You're quick to step in and comfort other children who are sad or upset, and your sweet words bring calm to little hearts. Your mind soaks up Bible verses like the proverbial sponge, and you love Bible stories. You've helped me to realize how important it is to speak life into your beautiful little soul. Your mom texted me earlier this year and recalled a conversation you had with your family in the car that day. You spoke up and said, "Mean people just need lots of love." Hmmm...I guess you were listening that day when we talked about the kid at the pool who took away your toys. You are a thinker and a processor of the world around you, and already I see you looking at life with eyes of grace. You have no idea how that blesses my heart.
There aren't very many feelings as wonderful as the one I get when I occasionally pick you up from school and you come flying out of your classroom yelling "Milly!" and jumping into my arms with the biggest, tightest hug a little girl can give! Sweet Princess Everly, as you turn the "Big Four," I thank God for the light and the joy that have filled my life since you came along, and I wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Always loving you with all of my heart,
Milly
(Or do you prefer "Princess Everly?") I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that it's been FOUR years since you made me a grandmother! How can that be?! All I know is that the past four years have been magical in every way.
I've been captivated by your vivid imagination -- you are the consummate princess/doctor/mommy. And details matter. You recruit baby Janie, Mommy, Daddy, and anyone else who happens to be nearby to dive into your fantasy world and take on their assigned role. You have "leadership skills," you know, and you're not afraid to use them! It's always a guess as to who you'll be each day -- Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty?
Beyond the land of make-believe, you've had a pretty awesome reality this past year. Another trip to Hawaii, dancing the night away at Aunt Christine's wedding, feeding the sea lions at Sea World -- you embrace adventure and new experiences with joy and glad anticipation! You are a lover of life, and your exuberant expression tells the tale!
Janie is one lucky little sister! You're so sweet, helpful, and patient with her! It's fun to see you and her playing along side each other, and Janie seems to cooperate with whatever your plans are. Of course, one day, there may be some "sister drama," but that seems almost inconceivable when I watch you two interact today. You're loving and tender with Janie, and her eyes hold only adoration for her big sister.
You've been working on all kinds of skills this past year. You're an accomplished little swimmer (you proudly showed off your new "zucchini" -- aka "bikini" -- this past summer), a prolific artist in many different media, and a savvy fashionista when it comes to playing dress up. You've dabbled in a few things like soccer (not for you) and indulged in your favorites as often as possible -- eating gelato (vanilla, of course), nail painting (alternating many colors on each nail -- again, the mark of an artist), and tackling BIG slides!
There's so much about you to love! You're affectionate and optimistic, tender-hearted and compassionate, wise beyond your years and still childlike and funny. You're quick to step in and comfort other children who are sad or upset, and your sweet words bring calm to little hearts. Your mind soaks up Bible verses like the proverbial sponge, and you love Bible stories. You've helped me to realize how important it is to speak life into your beautiful little soul. Your mom texted me earlier this year and recalled a conversation you had with your family in the car that day. You spoke up and said, "Mean people just need lots of love." Hmmm...I guess you were listening that day when we talked about the kid at the pool who took away your toys. You are a thinker and a processor of the world around you, and already I see you looking at life with eyes of grace. You have no idea how that blesses my heart.
There aren't very many feelings as wonderful as the one I get when I occasionally pick you up from school and you come flying out of your classroom yelling "Milly!" and jumping into my arms with the biggest, tightest hug a little girl can give! Sweet Princess Everly, as you turn the "Big Four," I thank God for the light and the joy that have filled my life since you came along, and I wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Always loving you with all of my heart,
Milly
