Birthday's and my Darling Daughter | Bella Lucia Photography

1/31/12

To my darling Nevaeh....

How have five years already passed since I first held you in my arms? I close my eyes and remember every detail leading up to your birth. I sat in whirlpool tub, laboring through each contraction, smiling at the idea that soon my world would forever change and that you’d be in my arms at last. I savored every second of your rambunctious activity in my womb, knowing that soon those feeling would be no longer. Laying on the operating table, we took bets on how big you might be. I laughed, never expecting you to be a whopping 8lbs 11oz! You were born with a head full of hair, and the chubbiest cheeks I’ve ever seen on a newborn. I held you close knowing that forever I would be not just one, but two. You held my heart the instant our eyes met, and it is a bond that is unbreakable.

You have grown into the smartest little girl I’ve ever known. Your bright eyes, glorious laughter, and incredible way of figuring things out inspires me daily. Watching you grow up these last five years has been nothing but a blessing and a gift from God. How am I even worthy of being your mommy? The joy you bring me is indescribable.

We have been through so much these past years. Through loosing your brother Leo, to welcoming in our little Enzo, your spirit and joyful heart never cease to amaze me. You give me strength daily, and each hour that passes, I see you transform before my very eyes.

You have a love for animals, and are such a curious girl. Exploring how things work has always been your favorite thing. Already I see your talents shaping you into such an incredible and intelligent little girl. You have a heart for Jesus and your pure faith abounds all doubts I ever have. How can someone as young as you have such a true knowledge of our Father in Heaven? And yet, I know with every ounce of my being, that you know exactly who He is and His purpose for everything.

I remember when you wiped my tears as I cried for our Leo and you said “Mommy, don’t be sad, Baby Leo is in heaven with the Angels and their harps, and he’s playing toys with Jesus, cuz’ Jesus has a lot of good toys mom!” I remember your sweet cheeks and closed eyelids as I’d rock you to sleep as a baby....So many moments like these I have burned into my memory.

Nevaeh you are the best daughter I could ever ask for. I love watching you grow up and change each day. Our evening art projects, and daily cooking together are the highlights of my day. I am excited to start homeschooling you soon. I know that you will thrive to the fullest and that your ability to learn will astound us all. As I watch you rattle off a song on your piano keys, I sit in awe. And at night as we say our prayers together, you always know exactly what to pray for.
2011 was a tough year for you. You endured my being pregnant with baby Enzo, and the scary time we spent in the hospital. Through so many hardships and difficulties you astonished me, adapting ever so easily to new obstacles that arose. I treasure our time together in NICU, talking to baby Enzo and scrap-booking pictures of us all together. I don’t know how I could have made it through these last five years without you in my life.

Nevaeh, you are the light of my life, and I couldn't be prouder of you, or the woman you will become. For now, I am savoring the moments, and praying for guidance you in your education, and above all your spiritual growth. Thank you for every single “Mommy, I love you”, every hug, every kiss, every knock-knock joke, every kitchen dance party, and every shared morning espresso.

I love you my sweet sweet daughter, and I wish you the best 5th birthday ever!

XOXO,

Mommy