Happy 6th birthday, sweet girl! I woke up early this morning, and one of my very first thoughts was that I can’t believe that you are SIX. Wow time has flown.
And what a year it has been.
We moved out of the only house you ever knew, and then unexpectedly moved in with Mr. Steve and Miss Joyce for seven weeks (it was supposed to be a week …). But you LOVED your time with them (even if you did get slightly spoiled in the process).
We were able to go to PA for Christmas this year, which is always one of your favorite weeks. I still remember the sweet time you had with Uncle Mike’s mommy, Miss Elaine, only a few weeks before she went to see Jesus.
At the beginning of February, we FINALLY moved into our new home, which gave us a lot more space. Bonus points that we also have super cool neighbors, with three equally cool dogs, and Mr. Scott and Miss Sarah are gracious enough to let you and your brother play with all. the. time.
We had to cancel both our Spring Break trip to Gatlinburg, and our summer trip to PA, both because of COVID, but you handled it like a champ.
You finished Pre-K (or Pretty-K) as you liked to call it at Lancaster Christian Academy, with your AWESOME teacher, Miss Baer (who still loves you to the moon and back). Although you had to miss a lot of school because of coronavirus, you adjusted well, and still managed to attend your graduation. (I only cried a little. OK, maybe more than a little …).
Since we couldn’t go to PA this summer, Uncle Mike and Aunt Dawn came to us, and we had SO much fun! But honestly, the best part I think was when they just showed up at our house, and Daddy and I managed to keep it a surprise. That memory still makes me smile.
We also got to go to Lexington, twice, so you could get a new orthotic to fit your new, very, very, very pink shoes that you picked out. Since your left foot turns in and doesn’t really grow, every time your right foot grows, we have to get a new orthotic. This year, for the first time ever, you seemed sad about your one foot that is different. You cried and cried after you asked me if the other foot would ever be “normal,” and I told you it would not.
That conversation broke my heart. But you are PERFECT the way you are. Those toes, and that foot, led us right to you, and you to us. I’m more grateful for that sweet little foot than you could ever know.
You started KINDERGARTEN this year, with Mrs. Walker (also known as the Best Teacher Ever). Oh how you love Kindergarten, and Mrs. Walker.
For the first time since your adoption, we got to celebrate your Gotcha Day on September 1 with Mr. Steve and Miss Joyce! Since they went with us to India to get you, it was really special to remember that day with them. We treated ourselves to some epic milkshakes at Legendairy, and it was totally worth it.
A couple other things about this year: one, you lost three teeth! Two of them had a little help from an accident between you and your brother, but nonetheless, your big teeth are officially coming in.
You started to cook more with me, and while your Reagan doesn’t necessarily always appreciate the “extra” help, I love teaching you what I love.
Speaking of your brother, he’s still your favorite human most of the time (but it might not be a bad idea for you to not pester him quite so much…).
We’ve had a couple (cough) challenges this year. Your strong will sometimes gets in the way of making good choices. I remind myself that it’s your strong will that saved you, and for that I’m grateful. But, perhaps you could stop coloring on your walls. Just a suggestion.
You also LOVE singing, especially worship songs. Your current favorite is The Goodness of God.
“I love You, Lord, for Your mercy never failed me. All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands. From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head down, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
The other Sunday, sitting outside for church (which is how we have church right now), you were standing beside me, singing at the top of your lungs to The Blessing, and I had to just stop and watch you.
“The Lord bless you, and keep you. Make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace.”
Amen. That is my biggest, biggest prayer for you. Daddy and I love you so, so much. I thank Jesus every day for you, and for the gift of being your mother. What a treasure it is to walk beside you for these few short years.
Marella Hope Grace Isabella Peanut Butter Cup Turnip Jalapeño Popper Thompson, I love you. I loved you before I knew you, and I will love you until my last breath on this earth. You are smart. You are beautiful. God made you perfect.
