Dear Alayla,

How can you already be 9 years old? These past almost five years have really flown by. It seems like you should still be the cute feisty 4 year-old who I met in January 2016.

You stole my heart the first time I heard you giggle. Your laugh and smile made the whole room light up. No matter what you were going through, you still brought that smile out every single time I got to see you.

I’m so grateful God allowed you to officially become our daughter this year. We waited so long for the Lord to work out all of the details. And, you endured way more than any child should ever be asked to before we got to scoop you up and bring you home where you belong!

But, all the trials and tribulations haven’t taken your smile away! You are such a joy to be around. And, you are one of the hardest workers that I know. You have learned to use all of your energy to help others. That makes me so proud, baby girl! I love you to the moon and back and some more.

Love Always,

Mommy 💕

Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Alayla’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 9

What is your favorite food? sausage biscuits

What do you hope you never have to eat again? lasagna

What is your favorite thing to do? feed the animals

What is your favorite animal? my pony, Greta

What makes you happy? my family

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 9? I want to go to church.

What is the best memory from when you were 8? Jayla and I pretended to be twins.

What would you like to do when you grow up? help ponies

What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me

Where is your favorite place to eat? Cracker Barrel

What is your favorite book? books about Ariel

Where would you like to go on vacation? Bald Head Island

What would you like everyone in the world to know? Jesus loves everyone!