March 22.

We celebrated Evie's birthday for a few days. That's what happens when a big 5th birthday falls on a Saturday that dad misses entirely with a 24 hour shift. So we took the day before (a free Friday with no school!) and we got cupcakes, went to the beach in the sunshine, and picked out a new kitten (welcome home, Flora). On the big birthday, the kids and I spent a quiet morning at home, snuggled in amongst the wind and the rain, reading books and painting. Then on Sunday we had planned to go over to grandma and grandpa's for a quiet little party, but one with balloons and streamers nonetheless so she could have her real "party". But when arrived and walked in the door with the birthday girl, imagine our cheers of excitement when we saw all of Evie's great aunts, another set of grandparents and her great grandma who all drove two hours to surprise us. Evie was in HEAVEN. She had her great aunties and two grandmas to dote on her all afternoon. Her 95 year old great grandma to keep handing out hugs to. And two grandpas, a dad and a brother to all play with her and entertain her.

She soaked it up like a sponge. You see, Everly is a sensitive sweetheart who puts on a tough exterior. And she has been massively affected by all that Parker is going through, even though we don't make a big deal of (the big deal) at home. But she gets it. Because she's perceptive. And she sees him have to take medicine twice a day and still have symptoms and go back and forth to too many doctor appointments and cry when he's in pain or worried. So she's stuck to me like glue right now. She's transferring her fears and worries to never leaving my side, anxiety attacks, and the inability to be alone. And I'm doing my best to reassure her and never leave her. So, a day with doting aunties and grandmas was EXACTLY what she needed.

Auntie Evie and her namesake Evie, Grandma Carol, Grandma Dana and Auntie Nanie.

 I don't know when I've seen this girl smile so much lately!

 This is what doting family looks like ;)

Dear Everly,

Happy FIFTH birthday! I'm trying to be happy for you getting older, but five just seems so big! Too big! Where did our time go? You are sweet, kind and caring. You love to cook and bake things. You are passionate about what you wear and "fancy" things. You love accessories and believe a girl can never have too much sparkle on! You are a peacemaker and you try to bring everyone together, whether it's friends at school, or your family for an activity. You get frustrated sometimes and scream "No I AMN'T!" which makes us giggle and makes you even madder, but you are just so darn cute. You put on a brave face always, but I know you harbor some big worries because you softly talk about them with me in the dark of your room while we snuggle before bed. You love your brother, you love your cats, and you love your family. You are a talented artist, a big performer, and you love to sing and dance your way around the house. You are an incredible girl.

Your smile lights up those around you. You know how to turn a bad day into a good one. And you have a knack for quietly and determinedly drawing a smile out of those around you; strangers and loved ones. I am excited to see what this fifth year will bring you. It's going to be a big one!

I love you foreverly, my Everly.

Love,
Mom