Dear Leah,

You're eight. Somehow the last eight years have flown by and though we can vividly remember bringing you home from the hospital, so much of what's happened since then is a blur. We can hardly remember a time before you were part of what makes us a family and we are thankful each day that God blessed us with you as a daughter. There's so much to be amazed by with you.

To start, you are still one of the most selfless and kind girls we know. You almost always put the needs of others above your own. Even when your brothers are rotten towards you, you only let it bother you for so long before going back to being the peacemaker that you are. We often fear that you might get taken advantage of, but we've begun to recognize that might not be the case.

It turns out the strong will you exhibited as a baby and toddler never fully went away. When you know that something is wrong, you won't stand for it. One of the most memorable examples of this in the past year was when Mommy got a phone call from the school social worker saying you were involved in an issue with two other girls. Knowing that this is the age when girl drama tends to begin, Mommy worried that you got sucked into a bad situation. However, you held firm to your convictions and wouldn't allow any girls to tell you what to do or how to behave. The two other girls were fighting over who you should play with and instead of caving in, you told them they couldn't force you to do anything and you would make time for each of them. Hearing the social worker call you the "angel" of the situation made us so proud and reassured us that you have the strength to do what's right even when it isn't easy.

You've also continued to amaze us at school with more than just your social skills. It's no surprise to hear your teacher say that you're always willing to lend a hand and help her or other students. What comes as more of a shock is when we're told how well you do at school. At home, you often display a lack of confidence and complain that things are too hard. You doubt yourself often and always try to ask for help. However, at school you are far more independent and are one of the highest achievers in the class. We appreciate the humility, but sure wish you'd see just how capable you are!

When you're not at school, you still spend much of your time playing hard. Your favorite things still center around imaginative play....babies, Barbies, school, forts, and so much more. You are incredibly creative and love to do all sorts of crafts. You've also enjoyed playing soccer again and are looking forward to starting cheerleading this winter followed by softball for the first time in the spring. The name of the game with you is busy, busy, busy. You're still the same energetic kid you've always been and it doesn't take long for you to make a HUGE mess while you're wrapped up in your playing. Thankfully, with age, you've gotten just a tiny bit better about cleaning up after yourself. Just a TINY bit. It still can be a real pain to get you motivated to clean up!

With all of the aspects that make you the unique girl that you are, it's so hard to picture what the future holds. Regardless of what road you choose, we know it will be filled with so much love, laughter, and joy. The light of Jesus radiates through you and we know that no matter what the future holds, you will be used by Him to do great things! You are such a gift to this family and a treasure to all those lucky enough to know you. Happy birthday sweet girl. We love you so very much!

Love,
Daddy and Mommy