Happy birthday, Rachel! 

You’re a light wherever you go! And you like to go! You’re always making friends, asking about our next adventure, wanting to know what’s next, and talking if you’re not singing. You’re the joy our family needed in 2015 and you continue to be the one who makes us laugh and love better than we did before we knew you. 

You may be six and eight years younger than your brother and sister, but you sure think you can do anything they do! Of course, that’s the source of frustration sometimes – when you go to bed earlier than them, when we tell you no but them yes, and when you think their friends are your friends. 

You are girly! You love accessories, sparkles, and pink. You want to wear make-up, high heels, and twirly dresses. Yet you also love to be outside making messes and getting dirty. You’re creative and adventurous – and you’d like to do it all while looking good. 

As a second-grader, you were excited to try cross country at school. You go from hating to loving it at any given moment. You’ve gotten so much better after the practices and races. Now you can run the one-mile race in less than 10 minutes. You’re also playing soccer. Plus you’re interested in cheerleading, learning to play drums, and possibly playing basketball. I like that you’re willing to try new things. We’ll have to see what’s next! 

You wanted us all to act out The Little Mermaid at your birthday party on Friday night, but you did get your dad to dress up like King Triton. Y’all are quite the pair! So funny! We had (most of) the girls from your class over for the “dive in,” which means y’all swam and watched The Little Mermaid. You’re always ready for a party – so celebrating you is easy, my girl. 

You ask a million questions, know the words to thousands of songs, have so many ideas, and still try to sneak into my bed at night. You say I’m the best snuggler in this family. I’ll take it – and your hugs and love, although the middle of the night will never be my favorite time. 

Happy birthday to the girl who loves loudly! I know God has big plans for you. I’m thankful I get a front-row seat to your life. 

Love, Mom

*****

Look back on Rachel’s past birthdays:  One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Learn more about her adoption story in “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.”