Happy 11th Birthday, Lauren!!!

 

On April 16, 2000, you entered this world and this Nanny’s heart. A place all your own was carved within me and it’s been growing in my heart every single day you’ve grown for the past eleven years.

I’ve loved you as a baby in all of your thumb sucking and teeth grinding ways, from your bald head to your slow growing Marilyn Monroe blonde curls. I’ve loved your toddler arms clinging to this Nanny every time you crawled back into my bed after I laid you down to sleep. I’ve loved the way you changed the Joedaddy’s name and title to “Joey”. I’ve loved your backseat toddler humor, the way you sang off key from the depths of your soul to the Lord most high and held your “twirly bird” out the window.

So wise beyond your years. You know more of the Word, more about Him, than many adults I know. I’ve watched you grow and struggle and wrestle and then at times let go and surrender to Him. It’s a natural thing, really, this struggle. The preteen years. But I know you’ll find your place.

You may not be that little girl in the backseat making us laugh every time you opened your mouth, but you are right where you are supposed to be. And I love this “you”! As you head toward Jr High, embrace open handed all that He has for this phase of your life. Surrender your hair bows if you must but don’t rush this growing up process. Embrace it. Just “be” eleven, lover of turquoise and Coke, gifted with gab, user of many words like your Nanny. Just be you! Because nobody else can.

I’ll be here watching you grow, forever loving you, trusting Him with you, anticipating the beautiful young woman you will one day become. Keep on singing His praises and believing His Word! You’re life is already a testimony of His faithfulness even in the hard things.

This year, may you dare to believe Him for great things. May you be the difference maker to those around you that He’s called you to be. May He shine through your smile and be lifted high through your songs of praise.

I love you more than you could ever know! Not only more than Diet Coke, but all of the My Coke Reward points in the world! There aren’t enough bottle caps to equal my love for you!

Nanny

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