Oh my girl. How are you already 3 years old today?? How did time fly so fast?? Everyone said it  would but I didn’t believe them.  I remember going into labor with you on the 19th and being so nervous and excited to meet you. I couldn’t wait to see what you looked like. After almost 24 hours of labor and birthing you without an epidural or drugs, you came out looking like your daddy. But I’ve forgiven you for that. 😉 He’s a pretty amazing person to look like. When they laid you on my chest you were crying and I told you it that it  was okay. I told you that everything was going to be alright. As the hours and days unfolded our roles reversed in a way and it was you and your strong, beautiful spirit that reminded me it was okay. When the doctor said they wanted to do a chromosome test to see if you had Down Syndrome, I thought my life was over. I was so ignorant. Little did I know that life was just beginning! You’ve given me new eyes, Adalene. You’ve awakened a part of me that I never even knew existed. You have shown me true beauty from the inside out. You embody joy and love. You brighten every room and every face and heart in that room. You’ve even made someone who hates kids absolutely adore you! You live every minute to its fullest and experience the moment then and there with no fear of the future. I want to be more like you, Ada. You’re strong and courageous, beautiful, smart, lovely, joyful, kind, silly, musical, hysterical, creative, snuggly, compassionate, empathetic, heroic, brave, fearless, faithful, a heart warrior, a big dreamer, a dancing queen, a go-getter, a shining light, a safe place, a beautiful soul, my hero- my daughter, Adalene Joy. You’ve made me want to be a better person. You’ve helped me see what’s important in life and then to focus on those things. You’ve helped me to live in the moment and not worry about things I can’t change. In your own way, you’ve pointed me to Jesus and brought me to my knees. You’ve brightened moments of despair and worry and frustration. All you have to do is look at me and show me that big, beautiful smile and my world is okay again. You’ve helped me learn the beauty of perseverance and hard work. That some things are worth fighting for and the reward of accomplishing it is worth it . You’ve worked harder than most people three times your age to crawl and walk and talk and learn every day. I’m so so so proud of you! You’ve brought me joy beyond measure. You daily live up to and fulfill your middle name, Joy. Having you has given me a better understanding of God’s love for us. I can better understand now why God would continue to love me and cover me in grace because that’s how I feel toward you. I thank God every day that He chose me to be your mama. What an honor. What a privilege! How did I get so blessed?? He chose me for you and you for me, Bubba. And I’ll forever be in awe and wonder of you and God’s gift. Thank you for being mine. Thank you for being my girl who loves unconditionally and spreads the love and light of Christ wherever you go. I love you so much, sweet girl. XOXO

All my love,  Mama