Happy Birthday!

Dear Annabel,

I can't believe that you are five years old! I can remember going to the hospital five years ago with Daddy and Gma Nan with such anticipation! We could not wait to meet you. For nine months we had wondered about every detail. Who you would look like, what we would name you. If you would play the piano like mom, or basketball like dad. We set up your nursery, shopped for clothes, and sewed baby blankets. We spent hours picking out the perfect stroller, and no detail went overlooked. It seemed like I was in labor with you for days! We were so impatiant to finally see you. Then you were here. This perfect angel for us to love. Some people say you look like me and some say you look like dad. To us, you looked like you! We were beyond thrilled. Then reality hit of what we had done....The responsibility of taking this human being home and keeping her alive and healthy and happy was terrifying. Luckily, you were such a happy baby. Everyone loved to hold you, and your dad and I would argue over who got to rock you to sleep. You have continued to bring us such joy everyday, just by being here and being you! I love you because you have such a big heart. You are so kind to people. You are such a big helper and the best big sister in the world! Thank you for being my daughter! I love you.

Love, Mom