Happy Birthday to V!

Happy Birthday to my dear 7 year old!!!

I've had three more babies since you've been born, and yet I'll never forget waiting for you, laboring for you, and finally meeting you for the very first time.  Laying my eyes on you, expecting to see a shriveled red raisin of a newborn face... only to be blown away by your beauty!  And I still am blown away.  You truly sparkle!  Each new birthday is a significant marker for not just your life, but also my journey of motherhood.  I always get emotional on your birthday, even if it's long after you've been tucked into bed, and I'm left with my thoughts late at night.  In years past I've replayed your birth story in my mind, my pregnancy with you, your babyhood... but this year, this SEVENTH year, is quite different.  You are at an in-between point.  Not a baby, by any means, and not yet a "pre-teen" (thank goodness!)...  you look so grown up, and you are so intensely YOU.  And so your birthday is no longer simply about "me", and "my" birth story, and the success I associated with it due to the terms "natural," and "epidural-free"... No.  Now, today, it's about YOU.  Your life, your interests, your cake (even if it was store-bought this year, by your own request), and how very, very glad we are to have you as our daughter, and how proud we are of you!   

2008-- 2nd birthday!

You may not be a baby anymore, but I'm still transfixed by you.  You are the same Vasilia that you were as a wee one.  My nostalgia for your cherubic, 9-month old cheeks and your perfect 18-month old pixie/ wedge haircut tugs at my heart... but I gladly trade it in for the joy of watching you grow up and transform into a loving, creative, smart and sweet little lady who loves her family, helps her siblings, writes stories, draws for hours, loves her friends and, most importantly, loves God!

May God grant you many, many, many years in His love and grace, sweet Vasilia!

I love you forever!!!!