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!