Eight is Great!

Our first baby girl turned 8 this morning, shortly after 9 am. Alayna was a huge surprise to us, but a very welcome one that we thank God for every day. She was born on January 6th, 2001--almost a week past her due date. She weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 1oz and was perfect. She taught Andy and I how to be parents while we taught her how to talk, walk, and run. Then it progressed and before we knew it we were teaching her how to ride a horse, then a bike, then a lawn-mower. Then it was reading and writing and math. Now she's teaching us again, about patience and those wonderful pre-teen years. But would we trade any of it? Absolutely not.

Alayna is turning into a very beautiful, strong, intelligent young woman. She reminds me of myself some days, her father others. But most of all, she's Alayna. She's one of a kind and she's ours. She's our baby girl that is growing up all too fast.

Alayna, baby, Happy Birthday. Daddy and I love you and are so very proud of you, now and always.

Alayna about 5 months old

18 months old

2 years old
6 years old! (don't have pics on the computer between now and then)

7 years old

Flower-girl the day before she turned 7
This year at Christmas