8 years

How can it be that 8 years ago at this very hour I was pregnant with our first gift, Katrina, not knowing this 26th day of February would be marked on our calendars for the rest of our lives? 

Then, at 7:30 pm my water broke and she was delivered at 10:19 (via c-section), and the joy that filled our hearts has only increased cumulatively over the years.

We have had a great day celebrating God's gracious gift of Katrina into our family. 

Streamers lined her bedroom doorway as she emerged after a night's rest. She asked mid-morning, "When did you hang those?" I told her we hung them during the night. She replied, "Aw, I didn't know MY birthday meant that much to YOU that you'd do that DURING the night."

I responded, "Your birth day was one of the happiest days of our life."

Breakfast included a donut cake made of her favorite homemade donuts. 

She received a caboodle for all her make-up as her first gift and set out to fill it immediately!

A giant-size portion of our lunch consisted of her birthday cake. You only turn 8 once, so we all indulged in a hearty slice. 

After filling our bellies with yummy vanilla cake, Katrina opened her second gift of art supplies. Again, she got right to work creating her first masterpiece. 

The day is not over yet and there are a few more surprises for our girl. 

Katrina, we love you more than words can express. You are becoming such an incredible young lady and we are blessed by you daily.