Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Happy Birthday Audra Jade


Three years ago today, my life changed forever. I could never have anticipated how different my life would be or how much I could love a little person I didn't even know. The last three years have brought pure bliss through our sweet AJ. She is truly a gift and a blessing in our lives. She brings such joy and laughter into our home and is so sweet and caring. Even at her young age, she shows so much compassion for others - she is genuinely concerned when someone is or even looks sad - and never hesitates to give a hug.

This past year has been a whirlwind. She changes so much everyday, but there are always the "AJ characteristics" that stay the same:

She cannot go out into the sunshine without sunglasses on.


She loves Sonic and can recognize one even if we're on the freeway doing 60mph. Her favorite is to go to the drive-up at night in our jammies and get "flushies" (slushes).


She mothers her baby-dolls like a true "mommy".


She thinks that making puppy-eyes will get her out of anything (which is almost true.)If that doesn't work, she just goes cross-eyed to make us laugh. Then she knows she's free.

She never forgets to say her prayers at night - these are truly tender moments for me. I wish I could hang on to every sweet prayer she's ever said. It's so evident how close children are to Heavenly Father.

She lives for wrestling with Daddy (or any other crazy stunt he's up for.)


She will not go to bed without her ragged Hello Kitty dolls.


She is a bookworm - just like her mom.


She loves music and when she decides on a new favorite, she absolutely WEARS IT OUT! (Tragically, her current fav is "Here I Come" by Fergie - I might be a bad mom, but her last favorite was the Chipmunk's Soundtrack and I had to change it up a bit. A person can only take so much 'munk!)

She will eat almost anything you put in front of her - or at least try it. This is the kid that orders broccoli instead of fries with her lunch. (This is her eating Asian Hot Wings dipped in Blue Cheese.)


She is the love of my life and I can't imagine it without her. I am so grateful for the last three years and anxiously look forward to the years ahead. I wish I could freeze her at this age - I so love it. But since I can't, I just want to soak up every minute while it's here. I love you baby girl!

13 comments:

candace said...

Oh so sweet! I love this. Tell AJ her aunt Candace loves her and thinks she is lucky to have such a special mom (and dad). Hugs & Kisses to her!

Happy Birthday AJ!

Jules said...

Your little sweetie is funny! My kiddos love Sonic too! The closet one is 40 minutes away though. Boo hoo. Love your blog. You better believe I had front row seats to NKOTB when I was in eighth grade. Oh Donnie....

aurora said...

Happy Birthday AJ!

That was such a sweet post. Glad to see that you are living in the moment with her now and cherishing it all. That would have been my advice--

I know the feeling of wishing that you could freeze their age. I promise that Maddy just started Kindergarten the other day!

Rochelleht said...

She IS so cute! Her Hello Kitties ARE nasty and she DOES like to read like no kid I've ever seen. We love AJ, too! Hope you guys had a blast for her special day!!

Elle said...

The pictures were great. She is adorable. I think it's amazing that she loves to read. Good job!
And that she will eat anything.
Happy B-day AJ!
~M

Anonymous said...

Your post was perfect, I couldn't say it any better myself! Thanks for being the perfect mon and spending so much of your time with my little girl.

LOVE YOU

~Craig

Jennifer Davis said...

What a sweet and touching post! Just precious!

Julianne said...

Happy Birthday AJ! Such a sweet post about a very sweet little girl!

Rebecca said...

She is a doll. You are a very lucky Mama to have her, and she may be even more lucky to have you! Happy birthday AJ!

Anonymous said...

Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen love your birthday post. What a wonderful way to treasure this birthday and to treasure the zest and energy that Audra has for life. We love AJ and miss all of you terribly. Even the puppies want to send AJ some birthday licks -- run AJ!

Anne Thompson said...

Awe, happy late bday to her! She is such a cutie-pie.

Cherity said...

Such a sweet post!! She is such a cutie pie! I know exacly what you mean too, everything you said is just priceless, and she is so lucky to have such a loving mommy!

katri said...

So sweet! Lovely post.