Dear Heidi... You're five!!

Our Heidi girl... today you turned five!

Five whole years since you somersaulted into our lives, five years since I first set eyes on those chubby little cheeks and that downy black hair, five years since I heard the words "it's a girl" and was so thrilled for Ava to have a little sister. You were the cutest, snuggliest little baby... and so unbelievably good. Slept through the night at 5 weeks old, were a little ray of sunshine bringing a smile wherever you went. I remember how much I loved those early weeks with you... our secondborn being such a gentle entry into parenting in comparison with the shellshock of our beautiful firstborn Ava!

Those first few weeks were bliss, and then at nine weeks you fell ill, and we started on a rollercoaster that has loomed in the background of these first five years. And yet you have been wonderfully accepting and always brave... check ups, echoes, blood tests, injections, cannulas and, most recently, that CT scan feel like they shouldn't play a role in the life of a little girl of five years old... and yet you have born it all beautifully, asking questions, seeking answers but always trusting. Us. But more importantly, the Saviour. There is no more wonderful a gift you could have given us, darling girl.

You are a little ray of sunshine, Heidi girl. You have the cheekiest little grin, a deep belly laugh, and a wicked sense of humour. You are shy in public, and yet in private you are the loudest member of the household... you shine on stage, and are a born performer. Whether you are singing, dancing, or acting some part, you step into the role, and your whole little face lights up. You thrive on praise and words of affirmation, and you love nothing more than snuggling up on the sofa for our weekly "movie night" (complete with popcorn - ALWAYS requested by you!)

From the youngest age your creativity and decisiveness have shown you are a young lady who has a vision and determines to make it happen. I'll never forget your clear instructions for your fairy party last year - there were to be real butterflies at the entrance, and when you cut your cake, a real fairy was to fly out of it. Needless to say, I didn't manage either of those requests, but I must admit to some relief when you revealed that this year you were planning a pyjama party "with a bed cake, and pass the parcel"... definitely do-able!

I love watching your relationships with your siblings. Ava is your closest friend and ally. The two of you spend hours together playing Sylvanians, colouring picture after picture, or pouring over some book together. I honestly love watching your friendship, and hope so much that you will always be as close, and love each other as much as you do now.

You and Jonas are the mischief makers. You're chalk and cheese... either getting on like a house on fire and off on some adventure, or winding each other up like there's no tomorrow! But you are fiercely protective of each other and I love your little friendship growing too.

And then there's Elias. You adore that boy. And lets be honest, he adores you too. It has been so lovely to watch your maternal side blossom with your littlest brother. He reminds me so much of you as a baby in his character... jolly and sociable and easy to please, and the two of you are often found together. My evens.

Heidi, we thank God every day for the gift you are to our family. You are fiesty and fiery and full of fun, but also cautious, and sweet-natured, and happiest at home. We praise God for keeping your little heart safe through all the trials, but our greatest prayer remains, that you will give your little heart to the Saviour. The one who loves you so much more than we ever could. The one who has already proved himself so faithful, through the highs and the lows.

We love you darling girl.

Happy 5th birthday Schnuki

Mama xxx