Milayla is FIVE!

This dazzling girl is 5 years old today. If I could see into this little girl's heart it would be filled with a love for books, dancing, her family, Jesus, art, music and exploring. Her eyes really sparkle when she laughs, when she's reading books with us, or telling us about something that she is really excited about. She is adventurous and loves teaching herself tricks on her scooter and bicycle. She is incredibly creative which we see come out with art, imaginative play, dance and music (she loves singing songs she has made up!). 

It is always a treat to spend time with her and she is so determined. Once she says she is going to do something - she is doing it. Like tying her shoes. She woke up one morning and said she was going to tie her shoes by herself that day and she did. And for this reason, I am learning when to push her versus encourage her; because I know she won't do anything until she has decided that she will do it. 

And she is brilliant. She has loved learning to read and is getting extremely good at expressing herself. She looks out for other people with a fierce kindness. When she found out a boy in her class at church has a peanut allergy she (and the rest of our family) will not eat peanut butter or other nuts on the days that we are going to see him and his family. Her idea. 

And just yesterday she went downstairs in the morning before the rest of us and said she was doing secret service. She had gotten all the breakfast items out, which is a lot of work for two little hands but that did not deter her. She loves to help. 

When I asked her what her favourite book was, she chose the one in the picture because they make goodies and give them away. She chose to dance ballet moves for the pictures that I took of her. And picked making and playing with play dough for a little at-home activity to do today. And we are just doing what the birthday girl wants to do with her time.

This weekend we will be doing her party and will surprise her with a little outing (a family tradition), along with her birthday meals and some presents. The weather is set to be gorgeous so it is very fitting that we will be outside for a large portion of her day because she loves to be outside. We are just excited to be celebrating her and the wonderful person she is and that she is becoming more of every single day. 

I may be biased but I count my lucky stars that this incredible girl is my daughter. With all her feistiness, kindness, intelligence, helpfulness, and radiating beauty I feel blessed to be her mom. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Milayla! May it be one of many wonderful, love-filled birthdays. We love you!