Seven Years of Reflection . . . A Birthday Message to my Daughter

Dear Sweet Sunshine:

Did you know that you came into this world as my angel?

Peek-A-Boo

I remember holding you so tightly that first night -
I didn't ever want to let you go for the nurses to take you.

The first year was such a learning experience.
I laughed and cried a lot.
I loved watching you learn how to roll, sit, crawl.
I loved hearing your first word:
♥Mama♥
And watching you walk for the first time was unbelievable.

The second year was so much fun.
You were still learning about your world and yourself.

Emily in the Paper

You would make funny faces.
You would chase your PePaw around Granny's kitchen for hours.

Emily's First Santa

We laughed so much that year.

The third year was so filled with love.

You threw the flowers down the aisle for Daddy and me.
We found our new home, and made a wonderful family -
Daddy, Big Brother, Big Sister, Sunshine, and Mama.

The fourth year was filled with life.  
You started school.
I cried.
You made friends.
A baby brother entered your world.

Emily Welcomes Baby Jacob

They've been inseparable ever since.

You make such a wonderful big sister.

The fifth year was a time of growth.

Daddy's Girl

You loved your school so much and was busy learning everything.
You got into some trouble, and had some bumps. But always managed to come out on top!

Being Silly with my Baby Girl

The sixth year filled with hope

You graduated from preschool and started Kindergarten.

First Day of School

Mama didn't know what to do with herself and the baby all day long.

You began to learn how to cope with unusual and sometimes rough situations.

And always came out a trooper

This seventh year has been filled with trials, tribulations, and blessings.

We lost a beloved Grandpa

Grandpa with all of his loving Grandchildren

But found a new home with lots of loving possibilities.
We've also foundered new friendships and cemented amazing family relationships.

I have loved watching you grow.
You have gone from sweet, tiny, infant

SooooFuuuuuullll

to
*♥..♥*Diva-Licious T'ween*♥..♥*

Diva-Licious!

Overnight.

I can't promise that I will be able to always let you go.
Sometimes I will just want to hold you in my lap for a while.
I can't promise that I won't make mistakes as your mother.
I'm sure I've already made a few.
And I can't promise that life will always be easy.
But I can promise this, my sweet Sunshine-Girl.
I will love you forever and ever.
I thank God every day for blessing me with you.
Happy Birthday my sweet girl.

Love,
Mama

Mama's Little Princess!!