Happy Fifth Birthday, Selena!

 Dear Selena Beana,

Are we at FIVE already? Mama can't believe how quickly this year went, and how much you grew up during this year. You went from a little girl to a big girl so quickly.

You love life and live it fully. You spend every day using that vivid imagination of yours.  You build, design, color, arrange, and create things that make us shake our heads in wonder.

You don't eat peanut butter and jelly for breakfast every single day like you did last year. You like peach oatmeal, french toast, and banana streusel muffins. You are a perfectionist, taking clothes out of your cabinet and Shana's too - refolding them until they are exactly to your liking. You straighten the house and clean your room every day.

This year, you've risen to the occasion. When you found out Mama was going to have a baby, you were so very excited. What you didn't know, is that Mama was going to have a lot of pain and need to rest a lot. I couldn't have had a better daughter. You are always wanting to help, finding ways to assist me without being asked. I honestly don't think I could have gotten through these months as easily without you. You seem to know just what I need. Thank you sweetheart!

You are learning so much about God, and teaching it to your sister. You truly have a desire to obey the Lord, and we are so happy about that.

What a good sister you are, helping Shana go potty and get dressed. She adores you, and no wonder! You make her life so interesting, and it makes me so happy to see the two of you with your dolls in your room, all wrapped up and cozy together in your bunk bed.

Your smile gets more beautiful every day, your hugs are more loving, and Daddy and Mommy look forward talking to you and discovering what is going on in that active brain of yours. Don't change. We love every single part of you. We are so proud of you for growing up, but we don't want to forget anything. We remember that pink bundle we brought home from the hospital, and how much we loved you. Can you believe we love you a gazillion times more now?

So happy birthday, beautiful five year old you. May this year be one of learning and growing. May you grow further in your knowledge of the things of Christ. 

With lots and lots of love,

Mama