Dear Jayla,

How are you already double digits? It’s so hard to believe it’s been ten years since I toted you out of the NICU. There are some moments in life that you never forget, and that is one that will stay with me forever.

The moment I brought you home from your hospital stay, I snuggled you up in my bed. And, honestly you have never left my side since. You have been stuck to your mama like glue. And, for that, I’m so thankful. You remind me daily that it’s my fault that you still sleep in my bed. You tell me if I hadn’t put you there when you were two weeks old, you would have learned to love your bed instead of mine.

Well sister, I love that you still snuggle with me almost every single night. You see me for who I am. And, most likely, you understand me more than anyone else. You know how to make me laugh when I feel like crying. You know how to find ways to help me when I feel so sick. Sorry I missed seeing you blow out your birthday candles. This pesky sickness of mine can get in the way sometimes. But, you are so forgiving!

You do so much for me out of the kindness of your heart. When the Lord made you, he copy and pasted you to be just like me. We both have a kind heart mixed with a stash of feistiness. Everyone says that about both of us. As you grow older, I hope you will use your feisty, strong-will to do great things for the Lord. There is no doubt in my mind that you will! A feisty kindhearted girl is what this old world needs more often than not! You always stand firm in your beliefs, but you also love so deeply, and it shows!

Don’t try to grow up too quickly. Stay little for just a little longer. Play with your baby dolls and build forts in the woods for as long as you can. Keep shining and singing for the Lord, but just stay little for a few more years. I love you baby girl: forever and always.

Love Always,

Mommy 💗

How old are you? 10
What is your favorite food? Chick-fil-A nuggets
What do you hope you never have to eat? tacos
What is your favorite thing to do? Be with Mommy
What is your favorite animal? Koala
What makes you happy? Abel
What is the best memory from when you were 9? Seeing the ponies at Grayson Highlands
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Build a Barndominium
What career to you want to do? nurse practitioner
What is your favorite song? Amazing Grace
Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-A
What is your favorite book? Magic Treehouse
Where would you like to go on vacation? Legoland
What would you like the world to know? If you get saved, you will live eternally with God in Heaven.

Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.