Dear Rachel,
Our lives have been more joy-filled since you were born. You love life and everyone we meet. You give strangers hugs and adore your brother and sister. You laugh easily and, really, are the funniest kid I know.
You’ve asked almost every day since we got off the Disney cruise ship last October — almost a year ago! — to go back on the “big, big Mickey boat.” We don’t have another cruise planned (yet!), but we are going to Disney World in a few weeks. You’re going to love it! You love all things Disney, characters in costume, and whatever adventure comes your way.
You’ve given me some scares with your fearless independence. You don’t like to go to sleep at night because you’re afraid you’ll miss something, so there’s been a lot of ushering you back to bed lately.
You’re going to “school” three days a week at Mother’s Day Out and love it. Somehow you comply with naptime there, but not without talking to your friends first. You’re eager to learn and love being around your friends. Right now, you like to find Rs all around you because you know that’s how your name begins.
You’ve talked about your birthday for a long time, and we’re excited to celebrate you today and again at your rainbow unicorn party on Sunday. Truly, we like to celebrate you all the days. Plus you’ve made me appreciate rainbows and unicorns in a whole new way. (Also, you call them “un-i-corns,” which is so funny because it’s not like you can read quite yet!)
Rachel Elizabeth, your joy is contagious. I pray you continue to love life and all God has for you. I know you’re going to embrace all the adventures in front of you and probably create others along the way.
I’m forever grateful for your birth mom who chose life for you and picked me to be your momma. God knew we needed you! Happy (fourth) birthday, sweet girl!
Love, Momma
*****
In honor of my girl’s 4th birthday, I’m going to give away FOUR COPIES (!!!!) of my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & Family.” This book released in September 2017, when Rachel turned two, so it includes some of her birth and adoption story. {ENTER TO WIN HERE or below.} I’ll randomly choose four winners on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
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