t.h.r.e.e

August 28, 2010 at 4:06pm, my life took new meaning. I was completed. I was whole. I was new. I was turned into something that I was meant to be, a mother. Every time a child is born, so is a mother. And the day this girl was born, so was I. 

The miracle I held in my arms was my new reason for existence, and she still is today. My, what she has taught me. 

Patience. I never knew true patience until this child. Patience is a hard virtue that you must learn on your own as yours gets worn thin. And kids have the best way of teaching it. 

Trust. I never knew what I could trust in until her sweet little life pushed me to my last boundary, to my last cord. I have learned to trust the most through her. 

Love. I don't think anyone knows the true meaning of love until they bear a child. And boy did my heart grow 3 sizes when she was born. 

Courage. She has taught me to be courageous, and power through all of life's obstacles. The toughest obstacle in life is raising children, and determining what is right and wrong and what you want them to take away from your guidance and knowledge. That takes courage. To keep your head held high when others disagree with your teachings, to stand your ground when you don't agree with theirs. Courage. 

Kindness. I have never known a small child to hold as much kindness in her heart as Claire does. It makes me reach down deep in my soul and try harder and harder each day to be kind to everyone. 

Joy. Oh, the joy this smile brings to me. It is contagious. And we soak it up every chance we get. 

As she has grown from a baby into a child, I want time to stop. Slow Down. 

God blessed us when he give us her. And I don't want to miss a minute of get precious life. 

Three years have gone by. Three precious years. The best three years of my existence. And I am looking forward to all of the years to come. With Claire Jane as my daughter, my best friend. 

Happy birthday to the most special 3 year old little girl we could ask for. Another year older, another year gone, another year growing into your own. We are so proud of you and who you have become.