I love this time of year. Not only do we get to celebrate the birth of our savior, but also the birth of our first born. It seems like yesterday Gwen was born. This time of year always brings back waves of exhaustingly, wonderful memories!
God chose to give us Gwen on December 2, 1999 and what a gift she has been. She came a day late and since they wouldn't let me work after my due date, I got a whole day to myself. Boy did the nesting kick in! I grocery shopped, did laundry, baked cookies and decorated our little condo with the few Christmas decorations we had - all in one day... The Christmas decorations turned out to be the best part. I think God gave me that day for that very reason because there is no way I would have had time to put up Christmas decorations once she came home! Each night when she would wake up to eat throughout those first few weeks, we would go downstairs and turn on the Christmas lights and she and I would spend then next 30 minutes or so just dreaming. She of milk and sleep and me of her future and how our future as a family would unfold. To this day when the Christmas season approaches and I begin to see those white lights pop up around town my mind immediately goes back to those early December mornings back in 1999.
Now, 9 years later, we have reached the top of the hill, so to speak. More than likely the next 9 years will be a whirlwind of activity as she finishes up elementary school and moves on to junior high and high school and slowly begins to move on to a life away from our home. I can't believe how blessed we have been and how quickly this time has gone. She has been a model daughter and has brought so much joy to us! We are so excited about what God will do in her life and what he has already done. Hmm... I guess everyone was right - The days ARE sometimes long, but the years have gone by so fast! I love you baby girl and could not have asked for a more perfect gift that Christmas 9 years ago.
