Payslie Rae {5}

The one that made me a momma was born 5 years ago today. 

At 1:55am, Payslie Rae made her grand entrance into the world after a 38 hour induction. Let's just say there were a lot of reasons I was glad she finally got here.

Even though I still owe Mercy her birthday update, I decided I'd make myself proud and post one on time this year! ;)

So, in keeping with the theme... Payslie, you get a letter too.

My Payslie girl,

5 years. I still can't believe it... time moves too fast and more and more Daddy and I look at you and are blown away that you are growing up so quickly. 

This past year has been a big one. Can I just tell you that you are such a trooper? I've loved watching you interact with your friends, be THE best biggest sister, and excel at so many things that you try. We've cried tears this past year and we've needed Jesus. 

The highlight of your fourth year of life was the night you and Felicity were in the tub and you were talking about Jesus being in your heart. I asked you if you had ever asked Him to be in your heart and you said 'no, but I want to right now!' and you prayed the sweetest prayer my ears have ever heard and then you looked at your little sister Felicity and you asked her if she wanted to be with Jesus forever too..... she said 'yes' and you said, so excitedly, 'THEN ASK HIM RIGHT NOW!' And we had the biggest celebration right there in the bathroom and you told me you wanted to tell everyone that you were going to be with Jesus forever. And we made a dozen phone calls to share your news. It was the best.

Your imaginative play has blossomed and the forts you can build are just so.... messy. haha. You like building "cottages" with multiple rooms. You are quite the little artist and spend hours creating beautiful artwork for all your loved ones. 

Pretty sure you got this from your daddy, but seriously, you are my little athlete. You amaze me with the way that you have excelled in acrobats and how quickly you catch on to new things. 

You like maxi skirts and high heels and painting your nails and jewelry. Your favorite thing is one-on-one time with anyone. And girl, I think you may be the pickiest eater in the entire world.

I've picked this scripture out for you this year:

"On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul." Psalm 138:3

This year, you have battled with anxiety and fear. And I just love the promise that The Lord gives to make us bold with soul-strength when we call to Him. That's what I want for you my girl. That's why I picked this verse.

My prayer for you this year is that you be BRAVE. Because fear will suck the life and joy and peace right from you and I want more for you than that and I know you want more. I want you to always know that I am for you, to have the freedom to struggle through the learning of this courage, and to be confident that we have your back in those times of fear and anxiety.

Your tender heart towards Jesus is where it all will begin, my precious one. None of us can be brave without Him. Not truly brave, anyways. Let's learn together to get on our knees at the first whisper of doubt, the first glimmer of worry.... and we will find victory in Jesus, Pays. Cuz that's how His story always goes.

I'm so excited for all the new adventures we get to take this fifth year of your life. We will hold hands and skip and laugh and learn and fail and cry and ask Jesus to walk with us the whole way. It's gonna be one for the memory books.

I love you with my whole heart, my Payslie Rae.
~your Mommy