One Decade Down

Oh, my sweet girl, where does the time go?

Can a decade simply be gone in the blink of an eye?

How I remember so well learning you were growing within me, and sharing such news with daddy. We talked with you, prayed over you, sang to you and read to you while your tiny, unborn body grew. When we held you as brand new parents, our hearts felt things they had never felt before.  A ferocious, protective love was born; a love like no other.  You made us "Mommy" and "Daddy" for the first time.

Sweet Ky, we have had so many, many reasons to rejoice with you over the course of your first decade.  You have a caring, loving, tender and compassionate heart that gives and shares so easily.  You embraced your baby brothers completely, and each and every foster child, and then, your little sisters.  You have given your life to Jesus, you love your friends passionately and you desire to serve and help others.  You turned into an amazing little gymnast with state champion titles and also a driven and hard working swimmer.  You always have love to give, and challenge us to do so as well!

We've also had hard times to hurt with you, moments when we'd give anything to take the pain and heartache away.  You struggled with understanding how your beloved cousin could suffer through cancer and it hurt you deeply.  Your heart was wrenched when your precious foster brother was returned to his family, after 19 months of your loving care and adoration.  Having to prepare your heart to say good bye once again to a cherished foster sister, only to learn at the end that a forever sister she would become.  We watched you struggle through your first gymnastics injury with such determination and strength, though emotionally it took quite a toll on you.  You have persevered, you have grown, you are maturing.

Kylee, we are so proud of the 10-year-old you!!  We take great delight in being your Mom and Dad.  We thank you for your kindness, your love, your patience, your compassion, your tenderness and your merciful heart.  You teach us so much, sweet girl!!  Here are some photos from your BIG-10 day!!