5 today… 210 weeks, 1 826 days and 43 824 hours of YOU! More smiles, more hugs, more love and more blessings than we ever could imagine! Today we celebrate your 5th birthday little Lia by celebrating all of you…

You’re our dreamer, our baker, our negotiator! The kind words, the soft smile and light that keeps our family together. Our rainbow baby. You’re so many things, to so many people and it’s impossible not to feel touched in you presence. There are many reasons we all simply adore you but, for a HIGH 5, 5th birthday, we’ll list our TOP 5…

5 Things uniquely Lia!

ONE : You’re gentle and kind, even without trying…

You sit down, next to the sad, lonely friend at school and without saying a word brighten their day – just because you noticed them. You care for others and always include everyone. A smile, a quick chat, a thoughtful “how do you do” and genuine interest in the people you meet makes it impossible not to instantly feel touched by you. You know when mama needs a hug, when Eliana needs some time to herself, how to protect your baby sister and when dad should go workout! These things comes naturally to you…

Your heart is open, WIDE OPEN, overflowing with love! A deep, never ending, powerful love for people. This love can make a difference, it will change the world – just keep on loving little Lia, and always know you LOVE YOU TOO!

TWO : You know you’re a princess, daughter to the King!

Lia; “bearer of good news” – your faith is your power. At 5 you trust wholeheartedly! You know you are anointed, chosen, loved. You never doubt God’s power. You ask questions far beyond your years, not needing answers right away but rather trusting God will answer you in prayer. You pray so persistently and wait so patiently…

Lia, you, are schooling us in faith.

THREE : You value life, not things…

Dolls, toys, puzzles and books are fun, yet nothing gets you quite as excited as holding a camera! Capturing our memories, sharing them with friends and looking back at treasured moments.

You’ve already declared photography as you chosen profession – I wonder? Will this stick?

No matter, little Lia as long as you always hold on to what makes you happy, this happy!

FOUR : You have the sweetest soul… even down to your tooth!

Sugar, spice and all things nice… That’s definitely what you are made of!

The world will tell you, you need to be tough, fierce, strong and a fighter. Yes, some women do BUT being sweet, optimistic, forever a dreamer, believing you can do the impossible in your own time, at your own pace and letting your soul soar above the fray will make you UNSTOPPABLE too!

Don’t ever let this world change YOU!

FIVE : You dance like nobody’s watching!

Lia, you dance like nobody’s watching. You sing like the world is listening. You run like Phoebe and you laugh like Santa Clause! You are fearlessly and magically YOU!

Never ever loose your sparkle. Never let judgement and fear steal your joy. Doubt, but only for a second, then LEAP and if you fall, take a moment but get back up and try again! Keep trying, even when failing because that means YOU ARE LIVING!

AND NEVER STOP “Shaking it off” to your own beat!

Happy 5th birthday Lilliput…

You are a HANDFUL, in the best possible way!

PHOTO CREDIT | Anje-Ilana van Dalen from Madison & West Lifestyle Division.

Helpful info: Lia, Eliana and Ava’s matching outfits are from Full of Beans Boutique (tees) and Annapatat Kids (mommy and me leggings).  Lia’s other outfits include: Outfit 1 – Ballet gear from Ballet Barre with her favourite Our Generation Doll. Outfit 2 – Princess Ariel dress from Petit Fox Outfit 3 – Old superhero cape from Cotton On Kids and her Instax Mini 9 Outfit 4 – Matching short sleeve aprons / bibs from Trendlings in the Veggie patch design and Outfit 5 – Personalised name tee and botanical leggings, both available at Full of Beans Boutique.

Birthday cupcakes were homemade using the Magical Unicorn kit from Annie’s baking Club.