Happy 4th Birthday, Tess!

Today our big girl turned four. What tremendous joy she has brought into our lives. She was an unexpected gift. We always thought we'd wait about five years into our marriage before we started a family, but as five years got closer, it never seemed the right time. But God had a different plan. I believe He sent her to us just when we needed her.
However, coupled with that initial shock was also fear. Before we knew we were expecting, I had undergone a kidney stone removal. The medications and procedures prescribed were not safe for use during pregnancy. Aside from the doctor's warning about the possibility of losing the baby in those early weeks was also the many warnings of the possible side effects on the baby (cleft pallet, deformities, etc.)
We then started praying for this little unexpected gift, this gift we hadn't planned for and honestly that we still didn't think we were ready for. Yet our hearts ached with concern and love as we waited. Others started praying--there were literally dozens upon dozens of people, some all over the world that we hadn't even met, praying for this little one. I cherish the pages and pages of emails of those prayers. At our 20 week ultrasound everything was confirmed that she was indeed a perfect little girl. On November 19, 2004, our first baby girl entered this world.

I can't believe how fast these years have gone. She has become such a beauty not only on the outside but also on the inside. She has a gentle, compassionate heart, very concerned about how others feel and is also very sensitive, always wanting to please and make others happy. She loves books, music, doing art, dancing and anything pink or princess! She continues to amaze us with her depth of thinking, quick learning and spiritual sensitivity. We like to tease that instead of harming her, her early exposure to radiation her gave her superpowers! This little girl who made us a family, has brought unmeasurable joy to our lives. Maybe she does have superpowers, igniting a deeper love and commitment not only in our marriage but also to God's faithfulness and answered prayer. What a miracle this precious child is to us.

Here she is on her birthday morning before preschool with a birthday pancake!
Her big gift from us this year was a princess bike which she was thrilled about.Here she is all dressed up in her princess best, making a beaded locket bracelet at her princess birthday party.

Here is her princess cake , which I enjoyed making. Since I just made a big stacked tier cake for Gracie's birthday in September, this one was easy peasy, but very fun! I remember having one of these cakes for my eighth birthday!

Happy birthday, Princess! Our lives would never have been the same without you.
We love you!