Etta Mae is FIVE

hello there.  i'm never here but i am here now because, even with all the busyness of life and my inability to keep up with recording and documenting the passing days, i vowed not to miss a birthday update.  at least i can do a yearly update on each girl so that i have them all here, safe and sound, as my memories become less and less clear and as the years stretch out and on.  

so i am here because my darling little middle, etta mae, is FIVE today.  she is my quiet and thoughtful second born and even though ivy ann is technically the youngest of the family, there is something about etta mae that makes me feel like she will always be the baby.  ivy wants to do all the things by her self.  and eden is practically eight and is so independent.  but etta mae still wants me near, to tend to her and hold her and comfort her with my words and proximity.  

she loves to play outside and will do so, content and alone, for hours upon end.  her eyes sparkle and hint at a world full of magic in her beautiful mind.  she is quick to apologize and quick to forgive and she has the most tender heart.  her smile makes you feel like you just won a million dollars.

she loves to wear her hair down and curly, even on hot days when i repeatedly ask her if she wants to put it up.  its part of her persona, her hair. and she embraces it fully.  shes a tiny little girl with a wild head of hair.  gosh, i think she's just fantastic.

she is shy but is learning to be brave.  she is going to dance in her ballet recital even though she is afraid.  she wants to do whatever eden does.  she is so good at helping ivy ann.  shes just perfectly in the middle; admiring the elder and aiding the younger.  she has not yet taken on bike riding but she loves to run up and down the street, hollering to the sky, and being as free as free can be.  she tells me she wants to be wild.  

she tells me i am 'just the mama she always wanted'.  she'll never know how much she was just the daughter i always wanted.  

mae there arent even really words to express the delight you bring to me and to your family.  we are blessed beyond measure and i just can't believe i get a front row seat to your beautiful and dazzling life.