She is the reason...

for my quietness these past few days. Today is my daughter's 14th birthday. Lots of gift buying and wrapping. Lots of reminiscing about those last days of my pregnancy, those thirteen hours of labor, and the arrival of our first-born, much-anticipated, and dearly beloved, Kristiana Nicole. Bursting onto the scene at a healthy 9 pounds and 1 ounce, 22 inches, she filled our arms and our hearts with joy and laughter from the first day.

Ain't she gorgeous??? Whether opening gifts on our bed early in the morning or looking dazzling late in the evening, this girl radiates light and peace and grace. Okay, I'm more than a tiny bit biased, I know - but if you ask anybody who knows her, they will say the same.

Yes, we wrapped up a few trinkets and doo-dads and gave them to her
on this, her special day.
But for Steve, Daniel, and me, she is the gift.




Every year around this time, I am reminded of a great story that a friend of mine tells each of her four daughters - and not only on their birthdays. She gathers each one into her arms, pulls her in close, and says, "Way back before you were born, way up in heaven, God looked around at all the beautiful babies, and He chose you to be born into our family. Of all those babies, you were the one He gave to us. And we are so thrilled that He did." I like that.

You, Kristiana, are the one chosen for us. We couldn't be happier.




Happy birthday, pretty girl.