Five years ago today, a joy and a light came into my life that forever changed me :: Hannah Michelle was born.

Dear Hannah (aka, Sissy, Hannah Banana, Hannah Bear, Michelle, Hanners),

Sweet, beautiful, wonderful daughter, your joy and light are contagious. Your laughter and love for those around you is incredible. I hope I can be more like you.  Hannah, I can’t begin to ever put into words how much you are loved. By me, by your daddy, by your sister, your brother. Even Jack is over the moon for you. Your sense of humor cracks me up. You always know just what to say and when to say. And while you are still saying “fambily” at age 5, I love all your Hannah-isms. My personal favorite is when you call mineral water “Cinnamon water”. You’ve never met a stranger and find a new best friend every time you play. You have the most laid back, go-with-the-follow attitude that meshes perfectly with this crazy fambily that God put you in.

I’m always challenged by your desire to know the ends and outs of people’s lives and hearts. You want to know why people love, why people hurt, why people are who they are. And you aren’t afraid to ask. I love that about you. My prayer for you is that you stay open and warm to everyone. That you continue to always see the value in God’s creatures and that the fierceness with which you love your family, you will love others. I pray that you know and deeply understand how much Jesus loves you. That you feel the sacrifice that He was for you, and that you have a strong and deep relationship with Him.

Sweet girl, I love you. Thank you for letting me be your mama.

Love you, love you, love you,

Mama