Anna Claire -I cannot believe you are six years old today. I know many mothers say this, but the time just flew by. You were not terribly anxious to make your arrival - we waited and waited for you to come. When you arrived, I was overwhelmed, overjoyed and in awe of how perfect you were. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.
It has been such a great joy to watch you grow. We figured a lot of things out together, you and I. I
love that you stopped crying immediately whenever I would take you outside and wheel you around in the stroller under the trees. I love that you used to say "I want hold you" whenever you wanted me to pick you up. I love that you peered inquisitively at me in the front seat the morning after my hair fell out and we were on the way to the salon to pick up my wig. I love that you instinctively knew to play quietly by the couch when I was going through chemo and couldn't get up. I love that you would sometimes steal my wig when I wasn't wearing it and 
you'd wear it around the house, laughing hysterically because you had done something you thought was so funny. I love that you used to yell "E-I-E-I-O" whenever we sang "Old McDonald" in the car. I love that you thought that wearing a pair of my black stockings, my white high-heeled sandals and nothing else was a fashion statement. I love that we play I-Spy while cuddling in bed in the morning. I love that you still say "aminals" instead of "animals." I love that you think only in 
shades of hot pink, deep purple and lots of sparkles. I love that you were completely convinced that I was giving birth to your baby sister in a stable with animals, just like Mary did. I love that you showcase your hospitality skills by making 
breakfast for Daddy and me on Saturday mornings. I love that you immediately pray out loud whenever we see a car accident. I love that you sing with your eyes closed, totally lost in the moment. I love how you pray at bedtime, openly pouring your heart out to Jesus. I love that you pray for our friends who have cancer, and then give God the glory for them being healed. I love that you worry about someone at 
school feeling left out, and that you strategically plan how to prevent it from happening.You are an amazing little girl, Anna Claire. I am so proud of you and so honored to be your momma. Don't ever stop loving Jesus like you do, and always remember that your gifts and talents are on loan from God, to be used for His glory and purposes. Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I love you.
