9 years ago today I labored through the night and into the morning, then things slowed. So I rested and then they started again.  Then I labored through the day until things slowed again.  Dilated to 8 cm I took a nap while I worried you were going to tarry and go another day (or more!) Then labor kicked in again and by evening I was holding my amazing first, and only, daughter.

You did not make a normal entrance–as I labored in the tub surrounded by the women in my life who brought it special meaning, I cried out to God and told him I needed my baby! My midwife agreed, “You heard her, God, she wants her baby!” and then you shot out and into the water like a torpedo!  Everyone jumped and we all had to watch it later on video because, thank the Lord, my friend working the video camera jumped so that the camera went directly to your entrance.

Your older brother saw you within moments and we all fell in love with you.  I still remember holding you for the first time as you lifted your neck, only moments old, to see who had come to greet you for your birth.

Your birth brought immense healing to my relationship with my own mother who was there to see you born and as she helped me through her dream birth we bonded in much needed ways.

And the journey with you as my daughter began.

I’d always feared I would not be a good mother to a daughter but you have proven me wrong.  I am so grateful that the Lord knew better for me and in praying for two years that he would grant my husband the desires of his heart (which I knew included a daughter he could someday walk down the aisle) Iwas granted the desires of my own heart.  There is never a moment I am not thankful you have blessed my life.

Your generous character is a blessing to all who know you. Your abilities at dance are amazing at even such a young age and I hope you do pursue your dreams to become a dancer.  I want to help any way I can.  Your giftings in encouragement and intercessory prayer have benefitted our family as well as countless others the Lord has prompted you in prayer to remember.  Your joy as you got glasses and saw the world clearly for the first time was inspirational.  Your beauty is breathtaking.  Your talents abound. Your love overflows.

Today my prayer is that the Lord will continue you on the path you have already set your foot firmly and that he would equip me to guide you in your journey for as long as we may make this journey together.  I hope that the shared blessings of walking together will be evenly shared, but I know the level of blessing you bring to me and I am not sure I’m up to my end of that arrangement.  May the Lord make it so!