Erika, Now you are Five

My almost 4 year old at our last family pictures last fall.

Your 4 year old birthday...the last in the US for a while.  Surrounded by friends at Chick Fil A.

And recently, on my birthday, you woke up early, dressed yourself and asked to listen to my ITouch.


Happy 5th Birthday Erika.  It is hard to believe you have almost been with us for four years now.  It has flown by.  You have taught me so much about life, faith, and love.  You are an itty bitty girl, with a big personality.  You light up the room when you walk in.  Being raised with teenagers, you think you are one of them, even though you are just now five.  You are smart as can be and halfway through Kindergarten, (often telling me the work is too easy for you:)  I am so thankful that the Lord brought you into our lives.
As I gathered pictures for this post, I realize that I have taken WAYYYYYY more pictures of you than Josh and Tori.  And yours are mostly digital.  I am so thankful to be able and be reminded of how cute and tiny you were when you first came to our house.  And even then, you always thought you were too big to be held.  But I would still get lots of holding time in anyway.  I am thankful that I have been able to be home with you...with the exception of your two day a week preschool.  I am thankful that I get to enjoy watching you grow and learn.

Your first Birthday.  We did not know you yet, but I was already praying for you:)

Love this picture.  It truly captures your personality, even from the beginning.

Your 3rd Birthday at Pump it Up.  You were surrounded by family and friends who loved you...and lots of gifts!

3 years old and modeling like a pro

Our first family pictures with you.  You had just turned two and were absolutely precious.

Sister love...answered prayers.

Around the second week after you came to our house, we got to do a wedding on the beach in Florida.  You loved it...I realized how much energy your little body had...running up and down the beach:)

You went to Convention with just daddy and me in Houston this year.  You had just come to live with us and I wanted everyone to see this precious girl the Lord had given us...after years of prayer.

We very quickly discovered your personality.  Your face says it all:)

You were so tiny even at around 18 months here...I could wash you down in the sink after a messy meal:)

Happy Birthday to my sweet Erika.  My baby.  My last child.

They say enjoy every day cause they grow up fast.  Five is so big to me...  you can no longer even barely be considered a baby.  You are in the school years.  You are joy to my heart and I am so very thankful for your life.  As I prayed over you at your birthday party, I got choked up, because of my love for you.  I feel my age and you tire me out every day of your little life...but you are worth it all.  Love you, Mommy.