she's five...

i can't believe it, but my baby girl is five today!! there is so much celebrating ahead, but our day started with olivia's favorite breakfast- cinnamon rolls with orange juice and then creating her birthday party invitations with emily (that's her doll) by her side.

she was so excited to make them all by herself. :)

she's a pretty good designer, don't ya think? her daddy would be proud! ;)

*more details on the actual birthday party coming in a future entry. stay tuned!!*

birthdays cause me to reflect on the past and dream about what the future holds. as i watched olivia sitting at the kitchen table this morning i thought about how i elated i was the first time i laid eyes on her five years ago, about how proud i was each time she uttered a new word or performed a new trick, about how much fun it has been to experience so many things through her eyes- visits to the pumpkin patch, playdates with sweet friends, sitting on santa's lap, trips to the zoo, and the list goes on and on. what a blessing these five years have been. i am overwhelmed that god has given me the privilege to love, care for, and be called mommy by this special and precious little girl. as i dream about the future, i think about taking her to kindergarten next fall (i can barely imagine it and it will be a reality all too soon), i think about the incredible big sister and role model she will continue to be for her little brother, i think about how she will continue to challenge me in ways i never knew were possible and how all the lessons she will teach me, and i also pray about what she will be passionate about and what gifts god has given her and how she will use them to glorify him. oh what a gift i have been given in her!! thank you god for her life and for trusting me to be her mom.

happy birthday olivia!! i love you soooo much!!