Dear Emma
Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet precious daughter! You are truly one of God’s greatest gifts in my life and I will love you forever. You have grown up so much this past year and your Daddy and I have enjoyed every minute of it! I love having conversations with you in the car, sitting at the table, playing games, and just hanging out. My absolutely favorite memory of this year has been the way that you have started praying at every meal and at bedtime. You are great about remembering things to pray for. As our family waits and prays for the day when we can adopt your little brother Eli, you have done a great job of praying for him everyday. He is going to love his big sister so much!
Running is your favorite way to go everywhere. You go a hundred miles an hour from the time you wake up until you lay your head on the pillow at night. Even when you get upset about something, it is always super easy to get you laughing and smiling again. You also love to sing…loudly…and sometimes while running through the house! You have a great memory and almost never forget a song or a story that you hear. One of your favorite things to do is watch videos on Mommy and Daddy’s phones. You are a whiz with technology, but you also love to play outside. We are going to work really hard to help you keep that balance in your life. We also love the fact that you love to help. If we show you how to do something, your next question is always “Can I try it?” How could we resist?!!
You are really big into imitating me these days…and I love every second of it. If I come home from work and change clothes, you immediately want to change your clothes too. If I do something with my hand or eat something a certain way…you always do it that way. One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” Emma, my prayer will always be that if you follow me that you will ultimately be led to run hard after Christ. That is what I want to model for you everyday.
Your favorite thing to ask people these days is “what’s your last name?” Whenever we talk about the fact that our last name is Strange, you always laugh and say “I not strange!” You are also really big into writing and drawing and you love to pretend that you’re taking everyone’s orders. These days you love to wear dress shoes with everything. Right now, you and Daddy are laying on the couch watching a funny muppets video and you are wearing pajamas and dress shoes. You are too cool for words!
One of your favorite activities is to ride the “alligator” or “bellevator” (elevator) at church on Sundays. The only thing that tops that in your mind is to stay at a hotel that has an “alligator”. You have continued to be super easy going in light of the crazy schedule we have with my school activities. You love everything about North Cobb Christian School and always have a blast cheering for your Eagles. I am so excited for you to start K-3 next year at NCCS!
Emma, it is a great privilege and honor to be your Mom. You are the coolest little girl I’ve ever met and I look forward to making so many more special memories with you doing special things. I pray specifically that your life would always be used for God’s glory and the good of others. You are an amazing little girl and God has big plans for your life. Mommy and Daddy will always be here to cheer you on. Happy 3rd Birthday…we love you Emma!
Mommy