Happy 3rd Birthday, Mazy Grace!

Dear Mazy Grace,

Sweet girl, you are THREE! Happy Birthday! What an exciting and adventurous year it has been! We are continually in awe of the compassionate heart you have, the love you have to give, and the heart God has given you. You are filled with so much affection, with hugs and kisses always available to anyone who asks.

What we have most enjoyed is watching your faith grow. Before every meal, you ensure that we pray. Though it is you who always wants to say the prayer – “God is good, thank you for our food, AAAAMMMMEEEEENNN!” When we ask you what you are thankful for, you often say the most simplest things in life, but it’s a reminder to us too, that even  those simple things are gifts too. You are curious about Jesus and God, and often wonder where they are. Oh, and you wonder where Jesus’ mommy is too. Remember, they are all in Heaven! We hope that curiosity never diminishes!

Your life as a two-year-old was one for the books. It started with us accepting a youth ministry position in Michigan, closer to all of your cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandpas and grandmas. It was so hard to say goodbye to all of our friends and have all of our “lasts,” but we knew we were going where God was calling us as a family. We moved into our new house in Zeeland and loved exploring our new town. The splash pad, library, Critter Barn, Captain’s House (Captain Sunday), the beach, fairs, family vacations, walking to the park, and most of all, family; especially your cousins. One of the biggest enjoyments was our pool! Daily we would go swimming, even if it was too cold for your mommy and daddy! You started off timid, but by the end of the summer, you were jumping off the diving board, swimming around the whole pool and even under the fountain, by yourself, with your life jacket on. Way to go sweetie!

The fall of your two-year-old life presented some challenges. Mommy’s heart had to get fixed, so you stayed with your grandpas and grandmas. It was hard for mommy not to hold you, rock you, change your diaper, and do all the things we used to do. But we were making it and the best day was when we could walk to the park as a family, a few days after mommy got home. Then mommy got really sick, had to go back to the hospital, have another surgery, and stay in the hospital for a long time. You were all over the place, as family and friends loved you so well. We are so blessed to have such wonderful and amazing support in our life. People who love you SO MUCH, Mazy! If you only knew how much you are loved! When mommy came home, you were already used to taking care of mommy, so you knew what pillows I needed and what fun activities we could do together. You brought me blankies and stuffed animals, and even got my slippers. You struggled with some anxiety about us leaving again, which rightfully so, so daddy slept in your room for well over a month, to make sure you knew you were safe. And now…you sleep through the night!

Some of your favorites are:

• Toys: dolls, coloring, painting, crafts, magna tiles, play-doh, pretending (being mommy, serving food), stickers, books – especially look and find books!
• Activities: going to the library, anything with animals, riding in the carts at Family Fare, seeing your cousins, having friends over to play, swimming and diving for marbles in the bathtub, playing school
• TV Shows: Daniel Tiger, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Nursery Rhymes, Peppa Pig, Mickey Mouse, and most of all, Paw Patrol
• Foods: pizza, mac ‘n cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, strawberries, yogurt, cupcakes, sweets, popcorn, ice cream, fruit snacks, smoothies, apples, and most of all CHEESE
• You love ANYTHING that has to do with doggies or Paw Patrol, hence why you are having another themed birthday party with Skye and Paw Patrol!

Things You’ve Learned: how to use a scissors, color in the lines, write the letter “M,” recognize some letters, your colors, shapes, count to “almost” 20, hold your breath under water, brush your teeth well, get dressed (except your shirt), SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT (your mommy and daddy are so thankful), eat a wider variety of foods, say please and thank you regularly, and you are POTTY TRAINED! Though, you do refuse to go poopies on the toilet. You do struggle with constipation, but you know that when you do go on the toilet, you get to go to the carousel, which is one of your most favorite places!

We have enjoyed seeing you blossom into the most adorable little girl! When we moved to Michigan, you were a shy two-year-old. You are now much more outgoing, willing to give anyone a high-five, knucks, and your most adorable smile! Your eyes light up the world, your enthusiasm is something your mommy and daddy appreciate, and you challenge us to look at life simply. You help us take joy in the little things in life. You are oh-so-ever polite with please and thank yous always being said.

Baby girl (yes, you will always be our baby girl, even though you always correct us and say “I not a baby, I’m a big girl), we love you so much. You are the sweetest girl who has so much love to give! Don’t ever lose that big heart of yours and know that YOU ARE LOVED.

With All Our Love On Your 3rd Birthday!

Daddy and Mommy
Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.