happy birthday, Little Beauty!

This girl, this sweet sweet little girl turns 9 today! What joy! What a blessing this day is!!

My whole entire life, all I ever wanted was to be a wife and a Mama, and when I finally held this child in my arms, for the first time, all I could think was, "my darling little girl...you're here, you're here, you're finally here." What a surreal moment that was. And every single day since then I feel the very same way.

Thank you for bringing cartwheels and fairies and princesses and babies and ponies and flowers into our lives. Thank you for loving spring days and swimming and tennis and sushi. Thank you for being such a smart little thing and keeping me on my toes. Thank you for loving the sun and feeling it's hot warmth on your face (this is how I know you're my daughter). Thank you for springing out of bed with a smile on your face each morning.

Thank you for loving to run, just because it's fun. Thank you for running to greet your Daddy when he comes home from work every day. Thank you for your gentleness and kindness. Thank you for loving animals and bugs and birds. Thank you for your patience with people who need it. Thank you for reminding me to be generous to less fortunate people. Thank you for being quick to laugh and not to judge.

Thank you for surprising me everyday. Like when I ask you, what do you love most? - thinking you'll say, "apples and apricots and Kit Kat bars and sunny beaches", but instead you say "You. And Daddy. And Henry." Thank you for that, daughter of my heart. I love you forever.

Every day is an adventure with this child of mine. Thank you, God, for trusting her into my care. I pray that each day will be one that I embrace as a time to love and to teach. To listen to her and take the time to look into her eyes. Help me to use these moments to talk to my precious child about You. To tell her of your wonderful love and salvation. To read stories and answer any questions she has. I pray that You would bless this child. Help me to respond to her in the right way and to enjoy each and every moment. To savor this time and to be thankful in all things. God bless you, sweet girl. Daddy and I love you forever. And ever.