Five.

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Y’all. I cannot believe this day is already here. Such a cliche to say, but I remember her birthday like it was yesterday. I always tell her the story of how I wanted a baby for a while before God put her in my tummy. I tell her about how when I found out I was going to have her I couldn’t wait to tell her daddy. I tell her how she used to get the hiccups in my belly and how my teacher friends & students would watch her elbows and knees go across my huge stomach. But her favorite story for me to tell is about the day we met.

I tell her how her daddy and I drove to the hospital holding hands, longing for that moment that we knew would be the moment that changed everything. I tell her how when we got to the hospital, her grandparents were ALL already there, even though she wasn’t scheduled to come for another four hours. I tell her how the doctors came in hooked me up to a monitor so we could hear her heart beat, and how it made my dad {former hospital lab director} so mad when the phlebotomist had to stick me four times to find a place for the IV. I tell her when they wheeled me down to a room, they made daddy go change into some doctor clothes so he could hold her as soon as she was here. And then I tell her about the moment I’ll never forget. I always say that when Dr. Crochet peeked Chloe’s head over the sheet and I got to see my baby girl for the first time, I knew right then that this is what I was meant to do. I was meant to be Chloe’s mommy. I tell her that when I looked at her, I said to myself “I know you!” In that moment I felt as if I’d always known her, and I knew that the bond we shared was greater than anything I had ever known.

Five, yes FIVE years later and I cannot imagine my life without this sweet girl! The Lord has blessed us beyond measure to have had five years with her to watch her grow from a baby into a sweet, tender little girl. I know life is precious, and I don’t want to take one moment with her for granted.

Chloe, I love you for so many reasons. Your beautiful smile, your compassion for others, your kindness, your funny sense of humor, and your love for your family and friends make you so special. I thank God for you every day and pray that you will continue to grow closer to Him. I will miss you being four. The toddler years are over, which I loved, but we are entering in the “little girl” phase now. Kindergarten, a new school, new friends, and new experiences will be a part of year five. But no matter grown up my little girl is, you will always be my baby.

Love you lots sweet Chlo-bo. Happy 5th Birthday!!!