Wow.  My not-so-little little girl is five today.  Is it too cliche to ask where the time has gone?  I remember the day she was placed in my arms like it was yesterday.  I remember the bonding in China, the fun at home in the first few weeks as we got to know each other, all of the difficult surgeries she so bravely faced.  Watching the relationship bloom with her siblings.  Seeing her develop into the adorable, never-give-up, hard worker, creative artist she has become.  She fights for what’s right and knows what she wants.  She is smart, thoughtful, caring, loving, and affectionate.  She is a gift-giver.  She is definitely a light and fits her blog name, Sunshine, perfectly.  She is a ray of sunshine and has come so far in the fours years she’s been our daughter.  I grieve for the year we missed, but delight in all we’ve had the privilege of experiencing with her.

She has taught me a lot about how to be a mama.  It was a steep learning curve at first, but we did it together.  She also taught me that love is worth fighting for, and I’m better for it.  Although she’s still young, she’s given me so much.  The Father has used her in mighty ways.  I don’t know what He has in store for her in the future, but I’m excited to watch it all unfold.  And I’m thankful He chose me to walk alongside her.  I can’t imagine life without her.  She is a precious child and makes life sweeter.

Today, we celebrate HER!  The beautiful child God designed her to be.  Happy 5th Birthday my precious girl!

I thought it would be fun to interview her, here are her answers on her 5th birthday:

Favorite food: yogurt, bananas, apples
Favorite drink: chocolate milk
Favorite dessert: cupcakes
Favorite color: yellow
Favorite TV show: H20
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite song: How Great Is Our God
Favorite person: Mommy
Favorite friend: Luke, Faith and Noah
Favorite thing to do: draw
Favorite thing to do outside: swing set and pool
Favorite book: A Mother For Choco, Frozen books
Favorite animal: cat
Favorite toy: my doggie
Favorite thing to sleep with: my blankie
Favorite game: Minecraft
Favorite holiday: Christmas
What do you want to be when you grow up? a mommy