~ eleven ~

{I'll catch up on my Joy Dare posts tomorrow.}

Today I wanted to focus one one person.
We celebrated our firstborn's birthday.
Every year seems to go faster than the one before.

2002

 It seems like just yesterday I was holding this sweet bundle.

2003

And she got attached to her bunny and sucked her tongue while she watched Cedarmont Kids Videos.

2004

Those adorable blonde curls started growing thicker.

2005

Age 3 brought the responsibility of a little brother, which she took in stride and handled with style.

2006

Four years old and quite the little Mommy

2007

Next comes school age....seems like this is when the whirlwind starts.

2008

This was probably the last year that she was actually thrilled to get her hair done and wear a little bit of sparkle and make-up. 

2009

She turned 7 right before we moved back up to South Bend. It was hard for her to leave her friends and school but she persevered.

2010

This was probably the year we learned the most lessons of faith and perseverance...the building blocks of her spiritual foundation.

2011

This year was when she "owned" her sense of style: jeans, t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts. Not my girly girl, but she rocks it!

2012

And this was the year that she totally turned into a young lady (still wearing the jeans and t-shirts). Matured by leaps and bounds spiritually, socially, emotionally! What a blessing!

2013

I can't wait to see what this year brings in her life. 

Happy Birthday, Anna Irene.

You are such a joy and blessing. You've taught me much about faith, gratitude, trust, perseverance, and duct tape. 11 years ago I never could have imagined that you would turn into such a delightful young lady. I am so excited to see what your future holds as you keep trusting the One who holds your future.

Love you lots,

Mom