Today is Abby's 8th birthday and I can't believe she's that old already! These last 8 years have just FLOWN by. We actually started celebrating her birthday today at about 1am. Since she was born about that time, we thought it was fitting - though it did happen by chance. As Adam and I were headed to bed (yes, around 1am), Abby was getting up to go to the bathroom. We decided to let her open one present on her way back to bed. She was surprised and excited - it was a fun little twist that I hope she'll remember. Who knows - maybe it'll become a tradition!She came home from school with great stories of friends wishing her a happy birthday and how his class made her a birthday book. She wore her new Hannah Montana shirt (1am present) to school and got an "It's My Birthday" sticker from her teacher to wear all day. She said it was a GREAT day. She actually spent some time cleaning her room (we'll be hosting a sleepover party on Friday - need some MAJOR prep for such an event!) while I baked her birthday cake. Abby got to choose where we went for dinner tonight and she chose... China One! No surprise - it's her favorite. Grandma and Adam met us there and Jacob and Abby ate their weight in shrimp. It was actually a little disturbing. haha. They topped it off with some ice cream before we headed home to open presents, sing Happy Birthday and eat some cake.
Adam and I got her a cowgirl outfit for her American Girl doll, some Hannah Montana stamps, and a pillow and sleeping bag for her American Girl doll. Jacob gave her his Jesse doll (from Toy Story) since he's "getting too old for it", and Grandma gave her a shirt and sweatshirt from American Girl (Abby sized), some A.G. books, and an electric blanket. She plans to wear the new shirt and sweatshirt to school tomorrow - she LOVES them - in fact, she put them on immediately.
Abby, you are such an amazing girl! I often marvel at the gift the God has given me in you. You are so much more than I knew to ask for and I will be eternally grateful that He chose me to be your mom. You are wild and free-spirited, spunky, bubbly and just plain happy and excited about life in general. I could and should learn A LOT from you! You are also kind and loving, a CUDDLER, and a good friend. This last year has brought some challenges, but you have learned so much and we learn more about you everyday. You are an amazing student - an excellent reader, and you excel at math. Your teacher says that you have a passion for life that brightens her classroom - so you see, we aren't the only ones who appreciate that about you! This year you did a lot of fun, new, and even amazing things. The thing that stands out in my head is that you decided you were going to read your bible. The WHOLE bible. You've already made it several books into the Old Testament - but the most amazing thing is that you're really remembering what you're reading and you're able to tell me about the stories you've learned. It may not be this year or next, but I have no doubt that you'll earn that Wii yet! ;)
You've also taken ice skating lessons again, graduated the 1st grade, visited the ocean for the first time, went to Summer Camp for the first time at Spring Hill (the same camp I went to!), took our annual family vacation Up North - with Allison & Rachel this time (their first camping trip), took swimming lessons again (made it to level 4), spent some fabulous days at Papa's lake with your very BFF's (and mine), played fall soccer, started 2nd grade with your new favorite teachers (Mrs. Lestinsky and Miss Dean), participated in your 2nd grade musical with a speaking part, and dressed as a Mummy for Halloween. But I think the highlight of your 8th year of life for me was when you chose to be baptized. It was such an amazing moment and I've never been more proud of you. I pray that your dad and I will continue to guide you, with His help, as you take your next steps into a relationship with Christ.
You are loved, baby girl. Happy birthday. Let's slow it down now, ok? You're moving too fast...
