In like a lion, still waiting for that lamb.

 Being the third in a string of close children hasn't always been easy. But from the night you were born, you've never been the baby. Not one single day. Some kids have that birth order energy, ya, you turned that on its head. You waited until the very last moment to grace us with your presence, and honestly I should have paid more attention to that, it is still true. Your sweet baby face was wise from birth. An old soul who has not many cares to give and will challenge me on the color of the sky. At least I know where you get it from. 

The last 5 years have been hard on you. You thrive in routine and the life of a clergy family is always about transition. You are the kid who has a BFF from PreK. You find comfort in the monotony of daily life and really doesn't want or need big surprises to be happy. You trust that things will work out but you feel big. Real big at times. That my dear heart is where we lock horns. Both stubborn and set in our ways, but also similarly, we are quick to forgive and we know that no matter what, that stubbornness is met with great love. I trust the process and know that someday those big feels will bring forth good fruit. You love big and you call out injustice big. Keep doing that. 

This is your last year of single digits. And when I think of that, I think back to that quiet still night you were born. I often wonder if having you at home, relying on the strength of millions of women before me to make it through delivery, if that is where you gather your strength. I truly believe my sweet great grandma helped usher you through the veil. I sure hope so. Let their strength and guidance fill your heart and soul. Trust your gut but do the things that scare you. I promise I'll be waiting just inside the door. 

This next year I hope you continue to find yourself. Explore the greatness and wide open space that this world is. You'll be better for it. Try new things that are hard. Learn to be okay with sucking at something at first. Mama and Daddy love you so much. We cannot wait to celebrate you and all that you are and will become. Our love is endless. Be you and live. Happy Birthday my love. #3287DaysAndCounting #NMC #Loving&Giving #FridaysChild