The day was cold and quiet. She wore the same dress I did when I was baptized by my father 20 years ago at the same building. She sang a primary song with Noah. She was worried her curls wouldn't make it all the way under and that she would have to be dunked again and again. But in the end, that would have been ok with her, the water was warm. She asked "backstage" in her dripping wet dress if she could swim a lap or maybe just to the steps? We ate her favorite roast beef sandwiches. I was so proud of her. And her Dad.
Turning eight at our house not only means baptism but also earrings. We have been talking about this day for years but in the end it almost didn't happen. Mattie held her hands. Macy cried and changed her mind. I held her head. And it was over before she knew it started. Five minutes later, she was posing in the streets.
Mattie, along with her Mom, Grandma, sisters, and cousins showed up on our doorstep the morning of her birthday. It was the best birthday surprise. It invoked tears, squeals, and hugs and then again when they had to leave.
I love this girl so much. She has grown up so much this past year. I love her sense of humor and how she tries not to laugh at her parents jokes. She is so thoughtful of her brothers and her friends. She is a rule follower and likes to be reassured that we are all on the right side of the law. Choosing the right comes so easy to her. She is my joy. We feel so blessed to have her in our home.
I used to wonder what in the world I was thinking, birthing a child this time of year. But maybe I was wrong. She is the perfect way to end a year and begin a new one. She has taught us so much and at times we feel like we are growing up along side her. I am honored to know her sweet spirit and how it reminds me how thankful I am to be a mother. Her mother.
4 comments:
I can't believe she's 8! It feels like yesterday that we were both in Gilbert helping me "look" for a job :) I still remember being shocked at how big of a baby she was, I had never seen a baby with so many rolls!! She's so beautiful, just like her mother. Love and miss you!!
That seems so long ago when we made a surprise visit to the valley. Thanks for letting me and mine stay. We had a nice time, we always do when we go to the Baum's. That sweet Macy. Who knew she would be back in the valley for her eigth birthday? Do you ever drive her to her first house? Remember when she got eaten alive by ants because she was so fat and slow she couldn't get away? Now that does seem soooo long ago.
Lady, I missed this post probably because you are private. How do you put things so nicely. I am with you on the December birthdays. We sure like to have babies in the same month huh? Noah and Sailor in February too...weird. What a fun glamorous birthday that looked like. She gets to live the dream doesn't she. Her baptism dress was just perfect.
What an awesome family picture, I LOVE IT! So creative:) Here is to a better 2010! Although when I read your blog I think of how BRAVE and BOLD you are. Moving, new jobs, new house, new friends. I get in my comfort zone and have a hard time branching out. So I admire your willingness to except change. Sometimes we don't really get offered much more than that, but your additude keeps ya moving!
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