Happy Birthday my Angel Ayla

Who would have thought that one baby girl would change my life forever? Of course she would because this little girl was perfection right from the start. As I'm sure you can see Talia (my sister) and I are quite close so of course my niece would naturally be the little love of my life. 

I cried tears of joy on this day 5 years ago because I'd never witnessed anything more beautiful in my life. Thank God I was there to watch her take her first breath. Here's a little insight between the conversations between two very close sisters after the birth of a child. Apparently, I said something along the lines of "she looks like a little boy". I don't believe this for one instant. All babies look the same until they swaddle them in that pink or blue blanket, come on! Talia, in her epidural state, remembers this quite clearly. I'd like to point out that I was not injected with any drugs that day. You tell me who you believe. 

As my little angel Ayla grew up I fell more in love with her everyday. I still remember the first time she said my name. She called me "Shey" and it was heaven. It eventually evolved into Shey Shey and now those days are long gone and I'm just Shenine and I long for the days when she was 2 years old calling me Shey. I miss those days more and more as the time passes and I'm so grateful that we are lucky enough to be so close and get to see each other so often. And thank God for cameras and videos because I visit those days often and relish the feelings of those moments. 

Our baby girl turns 5 today. She is so beautiful, smart, funny and caring and I am so proud to be her aunt. Have you ever met a five year old that shares her dessert with you? This little angel will give you her last bite of ice cream if you asked and I don't know if there is anything more precious than that. I love the little girl she is becoming and I can't wait to see where life takes us with her. She is the first light of our lives. She changed us all with just one look and has captured our hearts ever since. Those big beautiful blue eyes make me melt every time. She is my favorite subject to photograph, my favorite hug, my favorite kiss and the most precious "I love you's" are uttered from her lips. She is everything.

I love you my little Angel Ayla and I cherish every moment with you. Happy Birthday my princess!