Happy 7th Birthday, Lauren

Happy Birthday to our sweet girl, Lauren! You have brought so much laughter and sunshine to our lives! You are a great big sister to your two brothers! We love you very much!
Love, Mommy and Daddy

18 mo. old

with Daddy about 6 weeks old

just a few hours old

5 mo. picture...my favorite

7 mo. old

8 mo. old

2 years old

4 years old

5 years old

Where has the time gone??? I find birthdays so bittersweet. Time is flying by so quickly and the children are growing so fast. Lauren has been such a joy to raise. I can hardly remember her when she couldn't talk...of course I don't know where she gets that! lol. She could say at least 50 words plainly when she turned one and was talking in complete sentences by 18 mo...all very easy to understand. She hasn't ever stopped talking!!! On a typical day, she rattles on so fast and long about the American Girl books she reads, Michael and I wish she would just give talking a rest! really, it's not that bad all the time. Her loves right now are American Girls....all books and DVDs....and anything to do with history. She's been a joy to teach because she learns so quickly. She loves playing with Michael and Caleb, and enjoys making friends.
I have always felt so blessed to have a girl. Although I love raising two boys, there's a special bond between Mommy's and their little girls. It's always been SO FUN to pick her clothes and comb her hair!! When I was expecting her, she decided not to cooperate during her ultrasound, so we got to enjoy the surprise of not knowing what we were having when we went to the hospital. When people asked, I gave the usual "I don't care of it's a boy or girl as long as it's healthy" answer. Although I meant that, deep down I secretly wished for a girl. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear "It's a girl"!! And Chris, who had been wanting a boy, quickly changed his mind. So much so, I had a hard time believing he ever really wanted a boy! I truly have been blessed beyond measure, and I realize yet again, how good God is!