Things Pondered, Part 4

For previous Things Pondered posts, click here, here and here

Dear Evelyn Joy,

Four years ago today, you were placed into my arms for the very first time (after pooping ALL over me.. you always giggle when I tell you that story!) and my love for you has not stopped growing. This year probably has been the biggest year of your life. And the most challenging. And hopefully one of the best!

You became a big sister right before your last birthday, and nothing has been the same since, has it? You have been such a big helper for mommy and been so good about being kind and gentile to Matthew this year. I have seen your imagination and creativity grow as you explored new and fun ways to entertain yourself when I was busy feeding or helping Matthew. The fact that he already says your name (well.. "his" name for you anyway), even before saying MY name, is testament to how much he loves you.. because of the love you show him! Evelyn, I am so proud of you and and thankful for the love you have for your brother.

One of the hardest things for both of us this year was our lack of time together, just the two of us. I have missed that terribly. You still nap.. which I love... but I cherish those times when I kept you up from nap so I could just have some time with you! I am thankful, tho, that you and daddy have had such precious time together during those times I was with the baby. I am looking forward to having more time with you this year, some extra special "mommy/Evelyn" time. Matthew will still require some extra attention (he is a monkey, you know!) but it will be different.. and I hope better!

This year you got your first "real" haircut (after mommy tried and messed it up!), learned to ride a trike, learned to write your name and other names, learned to dress yourself completely (you could wear summer clothes all year long if I let you!), started to read some (you are SO bright, sweetie!), potty trained (woohoo!) and your coloring skills excelled! You love to sing and dance, love your polly pockets and tinker bell, and love to read princess books. You love to be goofy, yet also can be quite dramatic, too! You love to talk and look at yourself in the mirror. In other words, you are ALL girl, Evelyn.. and I love it!

You also have had struggles.. with obeying, using kind words, being honest and more. Learning to do the right thing is a part of growing up. This is the hardest part of being your mommy, teaching you how to do this and also give grace. Let's work on that together this year, okay?

More importantly, I have seen your knowledge and love for Jesus grow this year. I love that you want to pray at meals and bedtime. I love that you know every story in your kids Bible by title and location, and that you enjoy reading your three stories every night. I love that you quote the Bible just out of the blue during conversation. I love that you come home from AWANA so excited to share your verse and to do your lesson. I claim Philippians 1:9,10 for you often: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." May you continue to grow in Jesus, Evelyn!

These past four years have rushed by too quickly. Bittersweet, for sure.. but the way it should be. I hope one day you will get to fully understand why I have tears when I think about how fast you are growing up. I am excited to see all the neat things you will do being four!

Being your mommy is the BEST job ever. I love you, Evelyn Joy. Happy Birthday!
Love, Mommy

.. and Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19