Do you remember being 9?

Sometimes I still can't believe this bundle of joy is with us. I began to wonder if having a child would be a chapter in our lives. We sought medical advice, but instead went a more natural route. Not knowing if it would help, I began eating better. I lost 30 lbs and was able to become pregnant. I couldn't believe it! (*disclaimer: losing weight alone will not cause immaculate conception.) I still remember the day she was born and the doctor put her on my tummy. All I could literally say was, "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!" I could not believe she was here... and now she is 9 years old! This picture sums her up... She is such a sweetheart!

I remember being 9. It was the age that I asked Jesus into my heart... and started shaving my legs! Should those 2 be combined in 1 sentence? Why not? Jesus understood my burden of being teased. I remember... riding bikes all over the neighborhood (there was no computer or wii back in the day), picking blackberries for mom to make a cobbler, pretending I was pregnant and playing with baby dolls, new friendships at church, etc. There were also other things too, but some God therapy has done wonders! :)

To celebrate A-Nator's special day, we ate... good. I made eggs & pancakes for breakfast and for lunch we went to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. We held back more than usual on the chips. Only 2 bowls this time. A-Nator couldn't wait to have them sing their signature bday tune complete with ice cream! (Ok, all you 30 x 5ers, at least H-Mama didn't eat ice cream!)

These girls are hilarious. At restaurants, they get caught up in their own little world of play. They pretend their colors are people and begin their dollhouse play. I'm so thankful they have each other.

After we open gifts, Daddy helps his girls build complex structures and tape their Peek-a-boo petites to the Ferris Wheel.

Meanwhile, I take the dog on another 3 mile walk. Again she looks at me into the 3rd mile as if to say, "What's with you and the torture?" See her exhaustion? Mama had some chips to work off and a 30 x 5 commitment to fulfill. http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/

Off to rent a few movies and pick up our sippy cups.

Happy Birthday lil A-Nator! Mommy and Daddy love you! Do you remember what it was like to be 9?