for my pookie bear

one night (you were only three years old), you were sneaking out into the hallway when you should've been in bed. although i thought it was quite amusing, holding back a smile and a giggle, i chased you back to your bed. as i looked into your guilty face, shockingly, i saw my own. suddenly i was transported back into time, but in this instance i stood in my mother's place. it was the strangest feeling looking into your three year old face and having a glimpse of how my mother saw me so very long ago.

makayah, you are my shining star. you are stubborn, feisty, independent, and oh so sweet - all at the same time. because of all the same characteristics we share, you know exactly how to drive me crazy. but i just can't help loving you like crazy, too. there is no mistaking you are my daughter. my mother once said, i'm sure at some point of frustration, "some day you will have a daughter just like you." i thought, with a smirk, "if i were to be so lucky!" and i am.

you fill my life with laughter like no one else can. you are quick witted and charming - traits that could've only come from your daddy.

i have loved watching you grow from a sweet and easy baby to a beautifully talented firecracker of a girlie. these ferociously fabulous qualities of yours will serve you well in your not-so-boring-fun-filled-and-adventurous life you have ahead of you.

i adore the way you care for your older brother. the way you eagerly stand up for him in any situation, melts my heart.

you are so willing to help out with your younger sister, brushing her hair, and trying to dress her - even when she puts up a fuss. you are sweet and kind, and hold the feelings of others in high importance.

daddy and i delight in the morning cuddles with you, and look forward to each hug and kiss you give.

remember how special you are, and how much you are loved. never forget that you are a daughter of God capable of great and wonderful things. watch out world, here comes makayah!

****

today i am grateful for:

*YOU, my sweet and precious daughter. happy birthday. i love you forever.