Happy Birthday My Sweet Firstborn!

Today my eldest child turns twelve. It just doesn't seem possible. It seems like I should still have her cuddled up to my breast while I rock and and sing her a lullaby. Time goes so quickly.

Twelve years ago, I think I was trying to catch some sleep after an incredibly hard night of labor. Dan and I had attended classes and had chosen a midwife and natural childbirth. We really wanted what we thought was best for our little one but sometimes we don't get what we want.

We went to the hospital on the 27th and checked in. I was in labor. It didn't take long for it to get ugly! Up until a few weeks before, Shelby had been flip flopping and had finally settled head down. Problem was she faced the wrong way. After spending the whole night in incredible pain because of back labor, I begged my husband to talk to whoever he needed to talk to to get me an epidural. As per our plan, he patted me on the arm and said, "Let's wait a half an hour". I spat back at him, "NO, NOW. GET ME DRUGS NOW!" Within the hour, I had my epidural and I was a much nicer person for awhile. I remember sleep finally coming.

After 1 1/2 hours of pushing, our little Shelby announced HER arrival into the world around 3:30 pm on the 28th. I was sure she was a he. I think both of us were rather surprised.

We drove home with her in the big, green truck. She was so small. Our lives would never be the same again!

Now, she's twelve. Gone are the days of pig tails and training wheels. Gone are the sippy cups and sticky kisses. Gone are the nights she would appear at our bedside with a story of being afraid and then promptly wedge herself between her daddy and I. Gone are the days she would get sick in her daddy's truck or on him even though he was the one who could least stomach it. Gone are her pudgy little fingers and chubby cheeks.

In place of those things a young woman has bloomed! She is such a beauty and I'm not just referring to her outward appearance. She has a good heart. She has a love for her heavenly Father that will lead her in all the right places. She is outgoing and adventurous. She makes friends easily and is a born leader. She is a planner and a great party decorator. She's big sister extraordinaire. She's a bit of a drama queen - ok, a lot of a drama queen. She's God's gift to her daddy and I, that's for sure!

Happy twelfth birthday my dearest daughter. You are such a joy to have around! May God bless your coming year. Love Him more and He will bless you abundantly!