Happy 5th Birthday Jelly Bean

As parents, we all think our children are the most talented, beautiful, loving and exceptional, don’t we? Well, I do too. And with Jelly Bean, I think most people who meet her feel the same.

She can be extremely outgoing and devastatingly shy.

But when she smiles… makes my world just stop. The child has always been so loving, happy, and loveable.

She’s smart, she’s beautiful, she’s kind, she’s artistic… she’s been my savior during the darkest of times.

I know the Lord has big plans for her and I pray for her safety and protection as she accomplishes whatever mission she’s meant to complete.

She is my heart.

And now, for you, Jelly Bean, a message:

Happy Birthday sweet girl.

A few things about you:

You love everything girly. While your sense of fashion is a little … unique … you always try to look your best.

You love EVERYONE! I’ve never met such a sweet child. You are so loving and giving. You are special.

Your smile lights up the room. You’ve always had an infectious smile.

You have an incredible imagination. You love to play with your dolls and you can entertain yourself for hours. You love to sing and dance.

You love, love, love to swing. And ride your bike. And play with other kids. But if we let you, you’d swing all day.

You are a good sister. Both a little sister and a big sister.

You have a stubborn streak and can be quite sassy, but for the most part, you do what you’re told and you behave very well. But when you are angry you stomp your feet and storm off. You slam doors, and all I can do is laugh, because it’s rare that we see this side, but like everything else you do, you do it with passion.

You say things like “is there Oh Such a Thing as…?” and “Why did Kathryn die?”

You are generous and giving, and did I mention loving?

You love to draw, and just tonight, while I’ve been putting this post together, you’ve already made me three lovely pictures. My favorite is the one you drew of me and you, just standing together.

You come get into the bed every.single.night. You love to snuggle, and while I don’t appreciate being awakened each night, and kicked throughout the night, I also realize that these days are numbered, and on the occasional night that you stay in your own bed, I miss you.

You are so full of life and wonder…

There are no words to describe the love that I feel for you, my beautiful girl. I hope that as you grow older, if you know nothing else, you KNOW that you are loved.

Here’s a video I put together for you and for everyone else to remember the last five years.