Jovie is ONE!

Miss Jovie Kalei,

How in the world are you ONE? How was it that one year ago today, you made your fast and furious entrance into the world? I remember that day like it was yesterday. We woke up like it was any other gorgeous summer day - eagerly anticipating your arrival and dreaming about who you would be. The kids and I went down to Old Mill park to swim and hunt for crabs. We had a blast and came home, ate lunch, and settled down for a family nap. When we woke up and Dad came home from work, we tossed around the idea of having some friends over but I just had a strong urge to snuggle Zack and Hal - just us. So we did. At least until the sun started setting and it quickly became clear that we were going to meet you soon!!! We called Nana and Papa and they RUSHED over to our house. I was resting on the couch in the front room and Nana was all packed up and trying to get us to go to the hospital NOW! But I wasn't quite ready. Somewhere around 9pm, I decided it was probably time to head in to the hospital. We started saying our goodbyes to Zack, Hal, and Papa when the power went out! So of course (although I was moving slowly) we had to find flashlights and lanterns for the kids! So finally, after that was accomplished, we started the longest 7 minute drive of my life! Those seven short minutes produced SIX very strong contractions! We got to the hospital, went to room 2 for triage, and quickly moved to room 7 where you would be born a few short minutes later! You came so fast, no doctors or delivery nurses made it to your birthday party! Just our sweet friend and triage nurse Melanie was there to welcome you into the world - along with Dad and Nana of course. At that moment, around 10:14 (we think), it was love at first sight. All 7lbs 0.8oz and 20 inches of you were absolutely PERFECT! You snuggled in close to me and I was in HEAVEN!

Jovie girl, there is no possible way to put you into words. You make us laugh every single day. Your personality is hilarious and your joy is contagious. The way you used a pointed finger salute as your wave for MONTHS made us all laugh every single time. The way you scrunch your face when you don't get your way is adorable. Somehow when you wave and smile at someone, they instantly feel so loved. You attract attention everywhere you go and charm your way into every persons heart. You have cast a spell on your kids and know exactly how to make them do whatever you want or give you whatever they have. You are wild about them and they so deeply adore you. 

I have loved watching you grow. Every stage brings new adventures. Right now, I'm soaking up your giant open mouth kisses, every kiss that your blow my way, your adorable waving at everyone, watching you talk on your pretend phone, pointing at birds (or people, or things that you think are cool), putting absolutely everything around your neck as a necklace, and seeing your face light up when you see your kids every morning. You are a bright light in a world that desperately needs it. Just by being you, you make people smile and the world a better place. I cannot wait to see your personality continue to unfold. Jovie Pentz, you are absolutely going to change the world. 

On this day and everyday, this is my prayer over your life.

Jesus, 

I lift up my sweetest baby girl to you. In my weakness and shortcomings as a mom, you are so very strong. You have created an absolute masterpiece in Jovie Kalei Pentz. I am constantly in awe at the wonder of who she is. She is wild and crazy, yet gentle and loving. She is gorgeous beyond words and precious beyond measure. Jesus, take her precious life and hold it so close to your heart. It is my deepest desire that she would come to know you and the power of your resurrection. That she would love and serve you and love and serve your people with every fiber of her being. And that she would be deeply loved in return. Jesus, raise her up to be a mighty woman that stands for the good of all and points people to you. May she fight for justice, mend the brokenhearted, break barriers, and love deeply. May you lead her, guide her, and let your amazing grace fall upon her as she fights back the darkness for your name. Jesus, give her incredible confidence and strength as she pursues the life that you have called her to. Oh Lord, it is my greatest honor and privilege to be her mom. I dream of the day that I will hear her name announced as she walks across the stage to receive her high school diploma, and then her college diploma and beyond. I can picture it now, seeing sweet Jovie in a white gown as the most beautiful bride. Jesus, I pray for her future spouse, that he would love her like you do and lay his life down for his bride. And I have tears in my eyes even now as I imagine the day that Jovie becomes a mom and instantly knows this crazy and incredible love that I feel for her. Jesus, thank you so much for her precious life. Thank you for the gift that she is to our family. Lead her. Guide her. Let your grace wash upon her. She is your beautiful daughter and I am humbled at this opportunity to love her every day of her life. 

Amen.


Sweetest babe, tonight I put you to sleep as a baby. In the morning you will wake up as a one year old. I promise you that every single day I will love you, protect you, guide you, fight for you, and encourage you. I will be your biggest fan in every step of your life. 



Love you to the moon, around all the stars, and back to home.

Mom