Miss K

Happy Birthday, Miss K!
Just yesterday, or so it seems. I had three active young sons, ages 11, 14, & 16. Yet today, I am reminded how quickly our lives change. It was actually Ten years ago today, my husband and three sons welcomed Miss K to our family. Yes, a little sister and our first daughter was born. Saying that our lives would never be the same was an understatement. Our world was totally rocked, yet in a wonderful way!

I clearly remember the first night alone in the hospital after giving birth to Miss K. Be reminded that my other children were on semi "auto pilot" at this point, and I had forgotten about long sleepless nights. It was about 2 am and I was tired. A long labor and the process of giving birth was all catching up to me and I was ready to sleep..... Just about that same time, Miss K was not ready to sleep. Unlike when I gave birth in the "stone ages" and the babies stayed in the nursery during the night, this go around I had "rooming in". That meant just the wide awake baby and a tired mom! It was the first time I had sworn in years... I was walking around the hospital room and just said out loud to myself, "What the H#@* did I just get myself in to!!!??"

Quickly, it all came back to me what I had just gotten myself back in to! I would not have it any other way. Miss K has provided joy, laughter, and many tender moments as she lives each day true to her unique personality. She is truly her "own person" with a special gift for love and empathy for others.

She came in to the world thinking that she was the center of the world. When she was very young she would always stare at a person's face until she could make eye contact and then google with them. I clearly remember her lying on the floor with her Uncle R just gurgling and googling up and down the musical scales. This was so unusual for a 4 month old, but a vision of things to come. She totally loves people and loves to strike up a conversation with anyone. Teaching her about strangers has been very difficult.

What wonderful big brothers the boys have been. Watching them nurture and care for her gave me a glimpse in to the future. They will be incredible fathers when it is their turn. Miss K has been on dates, attended High School activities, photographed in the High school yearbook, taken in for Spanish Class "Show and Tell", participated in Boy Scout Service Projects, attended High School Basketball games, said good-bye to brothers for 2 year missions, flown solo on an airplane to visit a brother, attended college class, and on and on. She is also proud to say she has a big sister in her sister-in-law!

Today, I am thankful for the adventure of being Miss K's mother!

Happy 10th Birthday!!!