Happy Birthday Beloved Zienne!
You’re four.
Many days leading to today, we persisted to ask you to hold off on turning four, but you adamantly told us that nothing can stop you from being four. I even told you that I would personally ask God to stunt your age to which you replied, “Mamam, even though God loves 3 year old Zienne, He wants me to be four. He’s not going to stop it for you.” Then I pleaded while using logic and told her that if she remained 3, Emma would stay 7 and never get married. She replied, “Mamam, if I turn 4, Elle will turn one and will walk and make things easier for you.” Checkmate.
S o t o d a y , y o u a r e f o u r.
C H E C K M A T E .
I cannot begin to recall and tell you what a force you were at 3. What I wrote about is just a sample of your humor, your thoughts, how you argue, how you think…Sometimes, you really are sneaky, but in the cutest of ways, never malicious. You are definitely one to challenge your older sister Emma, but ultimately her best friend, partner in crime, and the best to encourage laughter together. You have become a huge help to me ever since Elle was born. You took to the role of Ate very seriously, nurturing and doting on your little sister, getting me diapers every day, bibs, keeping her safe when I am in deep need of a short nap. You continuously tickle your dad’s heart, asking if he needs a neck hug.
You are a joy to people around you, always playful and laughing, coming up with the funniest things to say, always surprising us and making us laugh. When people would tell you that you were pretty, you’d say “praise the Lord.” You’d sing loudly and dance to catchy songs like Taylor Swift and One Direction. You love being outside, playing, gardening, picking flowers for every one.
You would surprise your dad and I with how well you memorize song lyrics, bible verses, facts that your sister would teach you from school, planets, scientific names of muscles, names of people you meet, things we’d say days and weeks and months before, techniques you would pick up on for the piano or violin…etc. You would just pull it out from your memory. You could take a picture we’ve taken of you and tell us how you felt during that moment.
There’s so much Zienne, and I wish I could have captured it all.
Today, you told me, “See, mamam, I’m four now, I’m still the same” and smiled. I know that’s true, my love, but deep down, I know you’ll be changing. I’ll still always miss that sweet innocence and how much you used to kiss me out of the blue, how you used to hug your dad and say “I love you tooooo.” I’ll miss your dance moves- the one with all the fancy footwork and ‘arm shove’. You’re such a pleasure to raise, Zi. You are our hearts walking outside of ourselves, and I’m glad people can know you. I know you’re a blessing to them as much as you are to us. We love you so much, anak.
God bless you 4 year old Zienne. We’ll be reading you your birth verses today as it starts out your new year.
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“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” Psalm 20:1-8
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To our family members, and Zi’s Ninongs and Ninangs, here’s a newsletter we made just for you:
