Dear Jayla,

Wow! It has already been a week since your 3rd birthday. I wish I could say that it has been a week full of smiles and laughter, but unfortunately it hasn’t been. You have been very sick. I am glad we got to celebrate the day before you came down with RSV because you spent half of your birthday in the ER!

Thankfully, you were a trouper. You did so well. While you were getting an ultrasound, you helped the technician move her magic wand around on your tummy. You looked at me with a sweet grin and said, “I’m growing up.” And when I didn’t understand what you said at first, you took your little hand and stretched it over your head and said, “I’m getting taller.”

Yes, precious girl, you are getting taller. You are growing up. It seems like you are following in the footsteps of your older brothers and sister. I remember having the same conversation with James when he was in the ER on his 4th birthday. He was just as proud as you are about growing up and getting taller.

Your mama is not quite as thrilled about the whole situation. However, I love to watch you grow. I love it when you belt out, “I don’t want to go back to the world. There’s nothing in this world for me.” And a few minutes later, I hear you singing, “Oh, how I love, Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me.” It absolutely warms my heart when you sing those songs, but my heart skips a beat when I hear your little voice singing the same song James sang around your age. The same song that got me through your little brother’s birth and the surgery that followed. James has taught you well.

As much as you love to sing, it was no surprise when you asked for a little banjo for your birthday. (You finally decided that a ukulele would do.) However, you didn’t just want any old ukulele. You wanted a pink one. Of course, your Daddy made sure he found you a pink one. Your excitement was catching as we watched you pull your very own pink ukulele from its pink case. I can’t wait until you learn how to play. I just know you will be able to master the chords.

As a spunky little girl, you have tugged on our heart strings. You reel us in a little more each day. Especially the day you called your older brothers and sister your kids. Or, when you stared at Jayce as he slept in my arms and you looked at me and said, “I love your baby.”

You have not only reeled us in, but you have captured a lot of other people’s hearts, too. I will never forget the day you decided to sit beside the pastor after you collected camp offering. Everyone clapped, so you informed me that you had done a good thing. You definitely keep me on my toes. I never really know what you are going to say or do.

But, that’s what I love about you. You make life interesting. You are not only an active little girl, but you have the right balance of sweetness. All day long, I love hearing you say, “I sorry. I not mean to do that. That not matter.” Or, “You probably need me to help you with Jayce.” I look forward to your snuggles every single night. No matter how hectic my day has been, you know how to make it all better by saying a few simple words…”I love you so much Mommy. I really really love you. I just love you all the time.” Then you lean over and kiss my shoulder.

Yea, you melt my heart little one! Don’t ever stop being who God made you to be. You keep being that spunky little girl we have ALL grown to love.

I hope you feel better very soon. It breaks my heart to see you so sick. I will always love you!!

Love,

Mommy

Your Birthday Interview:

How old are you? I am 6. Me: You are six? Jayla: Yea! Me: How old are you? Jayla: Um, 5! Me: You are 3.

What is your favorite food? strawberries

What do you hope you never have to eat again? rotten bananas

What is your favorite thing to do? playing with my babies

What is your favorite animal? horses

What makes you happy? cats

What is the best memory from when you were 2? going to the playground

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 3? stay home

What would you like to be when you grow up? I want to work at Neannie’s house.

What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me

Where is your favorite place to eat? the pizza place

What is your favorite book? Anne of Green Gables

Where would you like to go on vacation? the beach

What would you like the world to know? I like to build sand castles.

Colossians 3:14 – And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Want to see how much Jayla has grown?

https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/look-whos-two/

https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/happy-1st-birthday-to-our-fourth-miracle/