From the moment Annie was born, five years ago today, Bob and I knew there was something special about her. After many miscarriages my pregnancy with Annie was plagued by fear and anxiety and I have to admit to more than a few fleeting moments of worry that she might be born on edge or stressed out. What came into the world at 2:22 pm on September 5, 2007 was, instead, the most peaceful child we had ever met. We have videos of Bob and I all throughout the first night of Annie's life just talking to her, holding her, feeding her and loving on her. For her part she is simply looking up at us with her big blue eyes taking it all in. She didn't even whimper the first night and quite frankly unless she has been really hurt Annie has done little frowning or crying through her whole five years. She is remarkably calm with a loving spirit that forgives anyone for anything. She is gracious and kind to a fault allowing her sisters to open all of her presents this morning and opting for chocolate cake because that is what Daddy loves. When I arrived at school with "pupcakes" 20 minutes late because of traffic she sat me in a chair and fanned me - not one bit worried that I had ruined the whole afternoon of festivities. Annie is pure joy - laughing and giggling when it suits her but also sitting back and observing quietly when she wants to. She is the very definition of a loving sister - taking so much joy in making her sisters and brother happy that I sometimes worry about her. The last five years with Annie have made me excited for the next five - excited to see her blossom from a little girl into an adolescent. Being Annie's mother is fun, easy and fulfilling with a whole lot of love, kindness, energy and magic thrown in! Happy Birhday, my sweet princess! We are so glad that you were born!
Annie and her carrot! Our carrot crop was pretty pathetic this year but Annie still loved them!
Ellie sleeps in a bandana to keep her braids in and, of course, the girls all want to wear them!
My little beauties!
I have to admit that I love when they wear bandanas because their little faces are so clear!
Silly girl.
Ellie Bean is all greased up and has her bandana on!
Sweet Lizzie Bug!
Sister Love.
My little pretzel.
I adore that beautiful little face.
The day before Annie and Tyler's big birthday bash Annie woke up with a tummy ache. After a few hours of taking it easy she felt much better and we got ready to head to the beach for the party.
Sister hugs!
Happy Birthday, Annie!
The birthday girl - I can't believe she is five already!
Annie - Boo
The little were not very cooperative but they were certainly adorable.
My little angels!
Annie and daddy are ready to party.
Our birthday boy and girl!!
Molly and Abby
Auntie Ann did a beautiful job on the cake - as usual! Annie won't let us eat the doll part of the cake because she wants to keep it.
Auntie Karla and baby Sarah!
Sister Anne, Auntie Brigid and Auntie Jane
Katie and Annie being silly little girls.
My sweet Katie
Uncle Scott and Ellie Bean
All of the birthday party kids posing on the beach with the birthday boy and girl!
Some of the adults wanted their picture taken at the beach.
Peter and his godfather.
Grammy and Papa has a special surprise for Annie and Tyler but it included a scavenger hunt!
Tyler reading the first clue to Annie.
Headed to the mailbox for the next clue.
Headed for the next clue and their big present!
Bikes!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs for Grammy and Papa
Group hug!
Tyler and his proud parents.
The Harding Family
Haooy Birthday, Tyler and Annie!
The birthday girl.
The birthday boy!
Our beautiful birthday girl - I couldn't love her more!
Just trying to get a few pictures of the our birthday kids!
Present time!
The two Peters!
KK and Ellie having some fun!
Annie trying on her rain coat from Grandma Betty.
I helped Annie fit my Moby wrap around her tiny little body so she could hold her baby the way I used to hold her.
My little mother!
Silly girl.
Annie got woken up at 6am by mommy and daddy singing Happy Birthday to her.
Annie was such a sweet girl - she let her sisters open all of her presents for her!
Birthday hugs!
Annie was so excited to get barbies for her barbie house that Auntie Karla got her for her birthday.
Did this perfect human really come from me and Bob????
babies babies babies babies!!!
I got to head into Noah Webster for some "pupcakes" and fun! This is Annie and her friend Trinity!
The Birthday Girl!!
I love those beautiful bright eyes - how did I get so lucky?
Annie and preschool friend, Kasey!
Tonight we celebrated Annie's birth with a cake made with love by Auntie Meg and some fun with Brendan and Lila.
Annie adores her cousins!
Happy Birthday Annie-Boo!
Happy Birthday, Annie!
Cake time!
Auntie Meg asked if she could make Annie's cake and i was very quick to agree! She did a terrific job decorating with little candy flowers which Annie loved!
My blue eyed angel!
She did get some cake in her mouth - love this beauty!
My sweet lovebug - we are so happy that you were born!
Papa making magic out of air! No one else could manage that except Papa!
Happy Birthday, Ann Eileen Harding - Wheeler! We love and adore you!
GNM - ILY!
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