Thursday, September 12, 2013

Five

Dear Aubrey,

You are FIVE years old today. This is the birthday I've been thinking about since you had your first. I've never really been one to get sad over birthdays. For me, they've always been happy days. It's hard to be sad about babyhood passing away when you're so enamored with your toddler, and then your preschooler. But I distinctly remember someone asking me if I was sad when you turned a year old. I said that I really wasn't and that I probably wouldn't be sad on a birthday until you turned five. That just seemed like an eternity away and SO old. And now, in the blink of an eye, here we are.
But, once again, I've found it hard to be sad today. In some ways, it is bittersweet to think that your babyhood, toddlerhood, and preschool years are gone. You are officially a big girl now. But my overriding feeling as I think back over the last five years is immense gratitude. The past five years have been the best years of my life. I'm SO thankful that I have been blessed with the gift of motherhood. It is, without a doubt, my calling. And it all started with you, my sweet girl! I'm not a perfect mother (not even close!) and you're not a perfect daughter, but I'm so thankful that I get to extend grace and forgiveness to you and receive grace and forgiveness from you each and everyday. I'm more thankful than I can put into words that I've been able to be present with you for every milestone. I've soaked up these past five years, and I don't feel like I've missed a thing. When I think about it like that, there's not much to be sad about! I love you as a five year old just as much as I loved you as my itty bitty baby. And even more, because I know you now.
You have a very typical "first child" personality. You're responsible, a leader, nurturing, and quite bossy! ;) You're a little Mama to your brother and sister, which can be both helpful and exasperating. Ha! You love babies: human babies, dog babies, and any other kind of baby you come across ;) I love seeing your sweet, gentle, nurturing side. You also have a loud, sassy, stubborn side, though! You have had a very strong personality from the get go, and that has maybe mellowed a bit with age, but it still remains. You have strong opinions on just about everything, and you're definitely not a push over ;) I am praying that the Lord will use your strengths for His glory. I pray that you will be a leader among your peers and that you will lead them towards the Lord and holiness. I hope that you are never afraid to go against the flow and stand firm in your faith, but I pray that you will do this with a gentleness and humility that will make people want to follow you. When people look at you, my precious Aubrey, I want them to see Jesus.
 
I have many hopes and wishes for you, but mostly, I hope that you live a life that is glorifying to your Lord. And I pray that your Daddy and I model that for you everyday. You are SO loved, Aubrey. You're my firstborn, my helper, and my baby girl forever! I love you and am so proud of you!
Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
Mommy

4 comments:

Courtney said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Aubrey!

Sarah Denley said...

I seriously can't believe it. I feel like five is a huge milestone year. Half a decade! She's beautiful, Carrie, and I'm so glad she's part of our lives, too! What a sweet, adorable girl.

Nathalie said...

Beautiful words! I know exactly what you mean about being thankful for witnessing every milestone. What a gift!

Happy 5th birthday Aubrey!

Jennifer said...

I have chills! It seems impossible that Aubrey is 5. Happy Birthday, Aubrey!