Nine Reasons to Love Her

Oh, we have so many more than nine reasons to love our sweet middle child, but seeing as she's turning 9, we'll post the top nine here.

1. Her kindness.  She is such a genuinely kind person.
2. Her giggle.  She has the best giggle.
3. Her creativity--a wonderful artist and musician.
4. She's a smart little cookie.  She's top in her class in math and 2nd in reading.
5. Her giving heart.
6. Her gentleness toward those things that are more fragile than she is--I think this comes from being a big sister to a baby with developmental issues.
7. How easily she forgives.
8. Her sweet smile and big brown eyes.
9. Her enthusiasm in everything she does.

It's hard to believe it's been 9 years since   She's been such a joy, pretty much since conception.  I am grateful each day for her presence in our family.  She always seems to know exactly when I need a hug or a kiss on the nose.  She's so sensitive to others' feelings.  She can make the sun shine brighter and the flowers more fragrant.  She is often the calm in the storm amidst the chaos of our home.  She can be loud and silly, yet quiet and contemplative.  We are so blessed she's our daughter.  And, today, we celebrate her.

Happy Birthday, sweet Alayna!  We love you--to infinity and beyond!

3 weeks old

9 years old!