For Rebekah

I wish I had time to write everything I'm feeling today. Today, seven whole years ago (can you believe it!) I was in the hospital holding this brand new sweet girl.

And just before that, Daddy was doing this! (One of my favorite pictures!)

Let me just say, it was my best birthday ever! Even though my doctor and me said that was the only day you couldn't be born. The doctor because he was baptizing his son that day, and me because I knew how hard it was to share a birthday near or on Mother's Day and didn't want you to have to experience that AND share with your mother. But you had other plans--and that's okay. It's teaching us both to share. My whole life since this day is one long lesson of giving up myself for you to learn and grow. It's the most awesome thing I have ever been asked to do.
I love you, Mary Rebekah. You are the most beautiful and sweet daughter. I couldn't ever ask for more.

I hope to be able to post more on the "story" of this day seven years ago, but for now I have to go.