And Then We Were Three

About this time nine years ago I was in a tizzy. My water had broken, contractions had started and I was on my way to the hospital to give birth to my first child. I was so excited and so overwhelmed and really in no way prepared for what was ahead. Because you really can't prepare for it no matter how hard you try. It was a trying 14 hours of labor that didn't go at all how I had planned. Yes, I was naive enough to think I could plan how it would go. But in the end at 12:42 p.m. on June 30, 2000, there she was. Our baby girl! A girl! Oh, we were so excited! It was all such a surprise. We hadn't found out the sex of the baby and I was convinced I was having a boy. But she was a girl! And she had beautiful red hair and a perfect round little face. She was perfection and I was her mom! As much as I had anticipated her arrival, I just could not anticipate how that precious girl would change my life. I had no idea how God would use that tiny baby to change me for the better in every way. It has been such a privilege to watch her grow and do my best to guide her in life. She is an amazing, thoughtful and caring young girl. She loves reading and science and singing but most of all she loves Jesus. I am so glad she is in my life. So Happy 9th Birthday dear Sister! We love you so much!