15!!!!!!!!



I figured I would start writing this post a week ahead of your actual birthday because I wanted time to gather my thoughts and emotions over the fact that you have been in my life for 15 years when it really only feels like a breath of time. Most moms I know had 9 months to plan for their babies. They talked to them, watch them grow in their bellies and bonded with them the second their pregnancy test came back positive. I didn't have 9 months to plan but instead about 15 hours...fastest pregnancy E-V-E-R! Ha! We got the call on February 13th around 3pm that a baby girl had been born on February 10th and if we were still wanting to adopt, we could come meet you and pick you up the next day...Valentines Day!!

I had the privilege of  praying, waiting and hoping for a baby for many years and in those years I had plenty of time to ask God specifically for something that was really important to me. I didn't care if you were a boy or a girl or what color you were. I didn't care where you came from but instead I prayed for a child that would be full of the Lords Joy. A contagious joy that would come into this world and impact it for Gods kingdom and that is exactly who you are. You love the left out and desire what is good and true. You are just scrappy enough to handle your little sister and give the teasing back to your dad but inside you are passionate about music and life and people and also a hopeless romantic. You seek Gods word and want to see everyone you know fall in love with God. You have a spirit of adventure and you want to travel and see the world. I think if you have a say in it at all, you will probably dance, sing and play the piano wherever you go. I know whatever you do and wherever God leads you that people will be easily drawn to your giving heart and desire to love those who don't feel loved and included.

While I had a mere 15 hours notice that you were coming, another mom had 9 months to love you, sing to you and care for you until you were born and then after all that she still was able to do what she knew was best for you and place you in a two parent home. On your 15th birthday I am always so grateful for Kari and the unconditional love she has shown you. What a treat for everyone who has been able to be apart of your young 15 years watch you mature and grow into such a sweet, loving, fun teenager. You make me laugh daily and sometimes I don't even know what we are laughing at...probably because you are making fun of me in some way. I just continue to pray that you would always seek God and His word first even when the world is telling you otherwise...especially when the world is telling you otherwise!! I cannot wait to see how God is going to use you. You are a treat my sweet daughter. Me & Daddy are better people with you in our lives. Happy Birthday!
P.S. Stay away from boys until you're 30, they are evil! (except daddy) ;)