Amazed

My darling girl is 12 today. 12...12...12!!! I'm shocked, stunned, amazed. The time has flown faster than I could ever have imagined it.

I remember so desperately wanting to be pregnant. All around me people were having babies. I wanted another one. We tried for months. I remember when I found out. Calling her daddy on the phone and crying and crying. There was no way I could wait until he got home from work to tell him.

I remember my husband calling his parents. Mark told them we were going to have a baby. I can still hear my mother-in-law screaming with joy even though Mark had the phone!

I remember the ultrasound. Finding out she was a girl. The first girl grandbaby. A baby sister for the teenager (who was 3 at the time).

Her birth. Scary. Very long and frightening. Her heartbeat dropping drastically with every contraction. The entire NICU team of doctors waiting in the delivery room. Her entirely purple body when she was born. The cord wrapped around her neck and arm. Then she cried and was fine.

Holding her for the first time...whispering to her how long we'd been waiting and how happy we were that she was finally here. Telling her about her brother who was waiting to meet her. Watching her daddy hold her for the first time. Her perfectly shaped rosebud lips. Her porcelain skin.

Her brother meeting her, loving her, kissing her and always taking care of and being protective of her.

The first night in the hospital when ALL She wanted to do was nurse. There was no sleeping that night, or for many after.

She was not a good sleeper, but she was an amazingly happy, beautiful baby. She had no neck when she was born. Just rolls and rolls of chins. Gradually she lost those extra chins and was a very petite little girl.

When she first walked. From me to her daddy. 10 months old. 15 pounds. Size 2 feet.

The way she used to say her name "I'm First Middle Last name and I'm cute!" She was 2.

Her first day of preschool, the day after her baby brother was born. She loved having a new baby, and she loved going to preschool!

Her first day of Kindergarten. Such a beautiful sweet, smart girl.

Her baby sister being born. She was in the delivery room. She was 6 years old. And so excited to have a SISTER!!! She's been the best big sister ever imaginable. She adores her little sister.

Seeing her with the same two best friends since 1st grade. They are quite the trio.

Seeing her dance and cheer. My heart swells with pride.

Knowing how she touches people. She's a tender, kind soul. Everyone who spends time around her loves her. Teachers, classmates, friends, and especially us.

We couldn't be prouder or more honored to be her parents. She's a treasure and we cherish her so.She's a blessing in every way. We have so much fun together, and though I know that the day may be coming when she's not all that thrilled with me, I am enjoying the delightful time we have together now. Happy Birthday Precious Girl!