Alabama Grace is Five!

Five years ago, our lives changed forever when we became the parents to our sweet Alabama Grace. Now we can't even remember what life was like before her! Really...what did we do with our time and what was life without her????

Alabama,

We are so honored to have you as our first born daughter. You have brought such joy to our lives and I am so thankful that God chose me to be your Mama. It seems like so much longer than five years to me...like you've been here forever.....but then again it seems like just the other week we were in the hospital having you.

 You've changed so much in these five years of course. You once were this baby who didn't want to go to sleep without being held on the couch and then you were a toddler who slept so good, and now you're a five year old who wants me to stay for one song and then ends up in our bed every night. You once were a baby who didn't want to walk until you were 13 months old and now you're a 5 year old who loves to do cartwheels and flips and is a great twirler! You once were a baby who loved her baby dolls at such an early age and now you're an amazing big sister who loves her baby brothers with all her heart and is just the sweetest thing to them.

You once were a baby who loved to eat carrots so much your nose turned orange. Now you're a five year old who loves to eat steak, roast, fries, cookies/cake, candy, yogurt, cereal with dried strawberries, shrimp, eggs, ice cream, and now bubblegum....but not carrots. You once were a baby who talked very early and then you were a toddler who made us laugh with all the cute things you said and now you're a 5 year old who NEVER stops talking....unless there's a stranger around. You once were a baby who was so smart and could sign so many words and always amazed us with the things you knew, and then you were a two year old who could say your ABC's and know the sounds they make and we couldn't believe all the things you could remember, and now you're a 5 year old who can write all her letters, can count to 100, can count to 10 in Spanish, can read Bob books and sound out words, is so interested in all the things you learn at school, and can remember Bible verses and the Lord's Prayer.

 You once were a baby who loved music and to "sing" Climb up Sunshine Mountain with Aunt Judy. Now you're a 5 year old who sings all. day. long. and loves to make up your own songs and perform them for us. You once were a baby who didn't really care about coloring. Then you were a toddler who loved play dough. Now you're a 5 year old who LOVES to create. You draw and color and cut and design every single day. You once were a baby who we entertained with peek-a-boo and patty-cake, and then you were a toddler who entertained us with stories about the boy who said "that's hilarious" and much more. Now you're a 5 year old who loves to entertain and play with Pate and make him laugh and who has us rolling in the floor with all the sassy things you say and your "preaching" the other day. You once were a baby who was adored and carried around by your cousins . Now you're a 5 year old who absolutely loves those girls and wants to be just like them. You once were a baby who I loved to dress up in cute dresses and outfits and sweet matching shoes and headbands and bows just like my own real live baby doll. Now you're a 5 year old who has a strong opinion about what you wear and who loves to dress your own baby dolls!

 

You once were a baby whose hair I couldn't wait to grow and put pig tails and bows in. Now you're a 5 year old with beautiful, long, curly hair who never wants it brushed!

You once were a baby who I put so much time and love into decorating your nursery before you were here. Now you're a 5 year old who loves to help me decorate for special occasions and holidays and just now likes to make your room look nice and put your pillows on your bed just so and have me come look at what you've done. :)  You once were a baby who we called Sweet pie and Alabama the Beautiful, and Baby Doll, and Princess, and Punkin' Pie. Now you're a 5 year old who still likes to be called Sweetheart and who will always be my baby.

 You once were a baby who loved for us to clap for you. Now you're a 5 year old who still loves for us to clap for you and loves our approval and praise.

 You once were a little baby who thought the world revolved around you (and it pretty much did! ha!). Now you're a 5 year old who still likes to get your way but is also so kind and generous to others. You once were a little baby who I couldn't wait to be my shopping partner. Then you were a toddler who went everywhere with me and Papa. Now you're a 5 year old who loves to stay home and hates to go to any stores.  You once were a little baby who I held all the time, then you were a toddler who loved to run and play. Now you're a 5 year old who still needs to be held and cuddled sometimes, too.

 

 Commence cute pictures that I couldn't help but post:

I love that even though you're growing up and I'm learning to let you, you're still my sweet five year old who isn't all grown up just yet. I pray that you will grow to love God more than anything else and serve him all the days of your life. I know He has great plans for you and I pray I can train you and equip you for the path that He has for you. I love you more than ever before and I hope that I can be the Mama that you deserve.

 

 To celebrate turning 5, she had a Bubblegum birthday party at the park with her friends and family! I hope it was a fun day for you that you'll always remember!