The Miracle of Molly

At this time ten years ago I had no idea how life would change in just 24 hours. Molly wasn't due for another week but she had a mind of her own. At around noon on September 26, 2002 Molly made sure that everyone knew she was on her way when Meghan's water broke. 9 and a half hours later she came into the world without a peep but with her eyes wide open and looking around. Grammy and Papa, Auntie Kake and Auntie Meg and I were all there when Molly was born, sharing one of the most amazing moments of our lives as we watched this perfect human being take her first breaths. The doctor put Molly on Meg's chest and the three of us spent a few moments together as if no one else in the world existed - to this day these are some of the most special moments of my life. Meg and I laughed and cried at the culmination of a very long and difficult journey and then shared Molly with the rest of her family. Grammy and Papa and Auntie Kake took turns holding Molly, reveling in the miracle of this new life.
Over the last ten years Molly has brought more joy to our lives than I ever thought possible. She is bright, loving, generous, strong willed, compassionate, kind and even more of a miracle than she was the day she was born. Molly loves that she has a special story about how she came into the world. She lives life asking questions, observing everything and working hard to earn the respect and love of everyone around her. Last year Molly's teacher continually told me how amazed she was by Molly - she said that no matter how hard it was or how difficult it made things for Molly she was always impressed with Molly's ability to make the right deicsions. As a mom I fall in love with Molly a little more each and every single day. She makes me so proud to be her mother that sometimes I feel like my heart will explode.
In a few days Molly and I will head off to Las Vegas for an all girls birthday celebration and I can't think of a better way to welcome Molly to double digits!

Auntie Meg, Mama and Molly just moments after her birth!

Papa used to stop over at night and lay on the couch with Molly-girl on his chest. She could not have been more content then when she was with her Papa.

Mama and Daddy with our sweet birthday girl!

I am the luckiest Mom in the world to have this baby girl as my daughter!

Happy Double Digits, Molly - we are so glad that you were born!

GNM - ILY!