Happy 8th Birthday, Leia!

Eight years ago today, God gave our family a beautiful baby girl. We already had three boys, and I was perfectly content with boys. But God knew that I needed a girl. I had always been a bit uncomfortable being a girl. I had been a tomboy as a child, liking sports better than any "girly" activities. My friends forced me to buy a purse when I was a junior in high school, and I was embarrassed to carry it! And those girly-girls in school were very annoying to me.

When I was pregnant with Leia, we had an ultrasound to find out if the baby was a boy or girl. My hubby had also never really wanted a girl, as he thought they were born pregnant teenagers! When we found out she was a girl, my hubby said, "Surely with three older brothers, she won't be a girly-girl, will she?" I told him that God was listening and had a sense of humor. Well, Leia is a girly-girl and a bit of a tomboy, all in one. And we couldn't love her more.

Before Leia was born, I had thought that she could just wear all the boy clothes that her brothers had worn. We were on a very tight budget, and I am very frugal. But then a family from our church who had three girls gave us all of their girl baby clothes. I was smitten with pink. Even the socks were cute. And she never wore blue for an entire year!

Leia has the sweetest spirit about her. She is very tender hearted and thoughtful of others. She loves Jesus and is always the first to suggest we pray about something. She loves purses, bling, anything pink, baby dolls, younger children, and horses. She is terrified of most bugs, screaming over moths in the house. She also loves playing basketball, Frisbee, playing in the mud, swinging, riding her bike and fishing.

She has shown me the joy and fun of being a girl. She is the double portion of grace that we didn't even know we needed. I thank God for her everyday. She brings joy and laughter to our house. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her life.

Here are some pictures from Hannah's 8 years.

In the hospital with my mom, her Nana.

Just home from the hospital being inspected by the brothers.



Two years old.
Three years old.
Four years old.

Five years old.
Six years old.
Seven years old.
Eight years old.

Happy Birthday Leia! We Love You!!!