Abby turns FIVE!

Dear Abby!

You turned five today! I hope I'll remember the look I saw on your face this morning forever. You were so proud to be five. Your blond braided hair and excited blue eyes, all because Mommy decorated your bed with pink balloons and streamers. It's so easy to bring you delight! Then we headed downstairs for your breakfast doughnut cake! Yummo!

I hate to say it, but I don't remember much about this day five years ago. Uncle Ryan and I had only been married for a few months and we had just bought our first house, so we were pretty busy and in our own little world. I don't think I had any idea what a life changing event your birth would end up being for me. I do know that your mommy birthed a 9lb baby with no pain meds! She was certainly a hero that day, although I do think she just about lost her mind. And so your birth taught me the importance of an epidural, a lesson I have taken quite seriously!
I do remember very clearly the first time I saw you just a few weeks after your birth. Uncle Ryan and I came to the apartment were you lived in Leominster, Massachusetts. I think we stayed for three or four days. Your dad had gone back to work and your mommy was sooo tired, so I basically held you for three days straight, only giving you back to mommy so you could eat! I remember dressing you up in different outfits to take your picture. I remember how Emma asked to hold you constantly. She was in love with you before you were even born! Every time I tried to take a picture of you Emma jumped in the shot! I know that sometimes you guys aren't the best of friends (I saw that today) but you should know that your sister loves you with all of her heart. The bond of sisterhood is a gift that God has given the two of you! A sister is a best friend for life.

Uncle Ryan spent all of his time with Emma! They really became friends on that trip. They explored outside and played together for hours on the third floor of your apartment building (the storage floor). I remember how Emma and Uncle Ryan played church. Emma preached and sang and made Uncle Ryan be the congregation. I think Emma even tried to get an offering out of Uncle Ry. At one point when they were exploring outside Emma was climbing over a rock and Uncle Ryan told her to be careful. Emma responded by saying; "Don't worry about me, Jesus keeps me safe."

I think you stole my heart in those first few days that I spent with you, cooing and snuggling against me. I still remember looking at your baby blues thinking that they would turn brown like your sister's. I was wrong! I know that you're not mine, but try to tell my heart that! You have changed me in the most profound way over the last year or so! My heart has stretched and ached. My mind has wrestled. My lips have spoken endless prayers. My body has tossed and turned unable to sleep, all because of you. I hold you in my heart now and forever!

Thanks for turning my world upside down with your Polly Pockets and hair bows, your wild imagination and all things pink, your indignant little attitude and your sweet/feisty spirit. Thanks for being Christian's best friend. McKenna already thinks she has a big sister and I think the two of you are going to be two peas in a pod! I love how excited you get every time McKenna gets new shoes or wears a fancy new outfit. I love how you love her! Seriously, Abigail Rose - what would we do without! Our hearts are full! Happy fifth birthday sweet girl! We are all so proud of the little lady you are becoming. May Jesus continue to bless you and walk with you. Keep clinging to Him! He's the greatest friend you'll ever have!


Happy Birthday Miss Abigail Rose!

Love, Auntie Judy