Five

Jayda woke up with a sweet toothless grin on her face and a springy bounce in her step for today she turned 5!  I find myself in awe tonight as I reflect on all that the past five years have brought us with Jayda in our lives.  On January 11th, 2007, I woke up to early labour and had the pleasure of spending the entire day contracting and anticipating what the next hours/day would hold.  I couldn't wait to meet my first little babe and wondered what she'd look like, sound like, smell like, feel like.  I pushed her out in two stages.  First her head came out, and before the shoulders and the rest of her body followed she looked up at us blinking and wide eyed.  She hadn't even made a complete entry into the world and she was already bright, curious and ready to rock!  Those first few hours in bed as a new family of three are memories that will be cherished for the rest of our lives.  Having Jayda in our arms, after such a long wait, was perfect.

Jayda, you bring life, joy, passion, helpfulness and fun to every minute of the day.  We love your determination to do what you've set out to do.  We love that you are a free bird who knows what she wants and goes out to get it.  Your passion sometimes drives you to frustration but you are learning how to embrace that, verbalize it and move on.  You have turned in to the mama bear always ready and willing to snuggle your little sister.  Both your siblings adore you and think you are the best sister ever (yes, even Malachi.  If you watch him he follows and copies everything you do).  We couldn't imagine doing life without you and welcome many more years of growing together.  To you, Jayda, on this special birthday!