Jove is TWO!

Oh Jovie Pentz,

I absolutely cannot believe that today you are TWO! These past few years have flown by - and yet it seems that you have always been part of our family. It seems as if life without you was a lifetime ago...and we just have no idea how we ever lived without you. You are the life of the party. That one dancing and singing in the middle of the room to your favorite tunes (Energy and Freedom Wild that Brooklyn sang at Kids Camp). You have studied those moves and have got it down pat! You jump, get low, praise, and clap as if you were designed to be on stage. And you demand we play those videos/songs for you nearly every waking moment. Oh sweet girl, I cannot wait to see what your future holds.

Jo, this year was full of crazy. We just finally moved into our new house a little over a week ago and you have blown us away with your adaptability. You just had your first successful sleepover at the Neshems house and of course got spoiled at every single turn. You know they cannot say no to any of your wild and crazy demands. But then again, none of us can. Your charm is out of this world. We all fight for your attention and affection and when you give it to us, its as if the world stops spinning. You melt our hearts. Your are so expressive and animated. And...sometimes pretty bossy and demanding. But, we wouldn't have it any other way! You are a girl on a mission and a natural leader. You bring this crazy amount of JOY everywhere you go...almost as if a ray of sunshine was following you. And now that you FINALLY started sleeping through the night (3 short weeks ago), I see that ray of sunshine too!!! I love waking up to you - the sweetest face with that precious smile. Especially when you hold your arms out and say 'hug' or 'snuggle'. GAH!

Your current favorite words are "ENERGY. BROOKLYN. PHONE. ME." And repeat. Because thats what you love...singing and dancing. And we are your incredibly captivated audience - just waiting to see what you will do next. Your kids adore you. Hallie is an incredible big sister and you light up every time you see her. You guys can just play for hours on end while I listen to you giggle from the next room. And although Zack sometimes antagonizes you, you still adore him and ask for him whenever he isn't with you. He's your 'Buba' forever and always.

Jovie Kalei, you are captivating. You are gorgeous. Your smile when you say "cheese" is my favorite thing in all the world. Hearing your vocabulary grow and having conversations with you is absolutely hilarious. We crack up when we hear you call "Tundy" or "Woofa" while patting your leg to come. Or how you walk backwards sometimes while repeating "back up, back up". Or the way you say water - which is not even something I can begin to spell. Or how your answer for most questions is "Idonno" - somehow all together in one syllable. And you point out anything even remotely bad by calling it "caca". You love your cowgirl boots (and all boots) and your tutus. Although I think you would be perfectly happy if you never had to wear any clothes, EVER! And I often come into your room after you wake up to a naked baby with pee covering your bed because you took your diaper off. And when I ask you if you peed in your bed, you quickly respond "ya" without a care in the world. I love watching you grow but man, I'm going to miss these precious days.

Today and everyday, this is my prayer for you...

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.


Jojo, you make life a grand adventure. I am so thrilled that I get to be your mom and biggest fan forever. I love you sweet girl.

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

Love, 
Mom