FIVE YEARS!

It's hard to believe Evie is five... Five... FIVE! I have had a few moments these past few weeks where it almost seems to good to be true... but it's true, and it's wonderful. A verse from Ephesians keeps ringing in my ears as I look back on how far Evie has come, "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Who would have thought we would be watching Evie run through the pumpkin patch on her 5th birthday. With her initial prognosis I don't know that this is something I would have even dared to ask for.  It has been hard to hold back the tears this week.

 

We had a fun filled day on Friday, Evie got to take treats to Preschool and wear a crown the size of her whole head (necessary for a fifth birthday!). After preschool our family met us at the Pumpkin Patch and we spent the afternoon watching the kiddos have a blast. We had pancakes for dinner at Evie's request and she chose a gluten free cookie cake so Lyla could eat it (:

 

 

Evie is really into super heroes lately... not surprising for a super star who has overcome so many challenges! She wanted an Iron Man costume for her birthday, which I am sure we will be seeing a lot of over the next few months! She also got a Captain America t-shirt, shield, 

ukulele, and drum set (:

 

 

This has been a huge year of growth for Evie physically - this May she ran in the homeschool track meet and did all of the field events available for preschoolers. This was a huge milestone for her and deserves it's own post, but here is a video below! This year we traveled to San Diego and New York City. Evie finished her second year of preschool and her first year of homeschool class. She does swimming lessons, dabbled in dance, and started piano lessons.

 

 

It has been a humbling, blessed road to walk with Evie this past year. To tell people that her health prognosis was 5 or 6 months after she was diagnosed with HPP is a potent reminder to me of how far she has come, her determination, her strength, and all of the things that have made her the beautiful little kid I have the joy of raising. I know that not all people have the opportunity to see their medically fragile children heal and grow stronger. To hear them say "I love you," to snuggle them at night. To watch them run and jump. 

 

I will never stop praising God for this little life that I cherish so much. She keeps my heart soft and my eyes teary. She and her sisters fill our home with priceless memories.

 

Love you friends (:

Isaiah 40:31

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

This is my prayer for you Evie Jayne. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl, I love you with my whole heart!

 

---- Our foster daughter Ali is now our adopted daughter (: but that deserves it's own post so I am going to hold onto that a while longer!