Happy 6th Birthday, Miss Mae

When we found out we were pregnant 6 3/4 years ago, I couldn't believe it and neither could Dan. We'd been married 10 1/2 years, had plans to go on a cruise later in the year and thought maybe after that we'd try and start a family. See, that was us, always waiting to try and start a family until after we did something else. We needed a house, we needed a bigger house, Dan needed to finish his Masters Degree, I needed to finish college, we needed to go on a vacation, it just never ended.

Then one day out of the blue, I realized I might be pregnant and I was. It was the Monday after we moved into our new, 'bigger' house in Lawrence. We were getting an alarm system put in and the salesperson showed up early. We showed him to the dining room and went into the bathroom to check the stick and sure enough, pregnant. I remember calling my mom and crying and crying. I couldn't believe that I was going to become a mom myself. I wasn't ready... Or so I thought.

When Anna arrived at 12:01am on October, 30th, the doctor said it was a girl. I thought all along it was going to be a boy. I was so sure it was a boy. All parents say they just want a healthy child and I know that's true, but secretly in my heart of hearts, I wanted a healthy little girl. I will never ever forget that moment when Dr. Johnson said "It's a girl!" It was the happiest moment in my life. I literally didn't talk the first 30 minutes after she was born because I was in awe of her and her new little life. I watched them clean her, weigh her, check her over. I watched our family and friends hold her. It was so surreal and so lovely, truly lovely.

After 10 weeks of maternity leave, I tried to take her to daycare and go back to my job. I remember after our 'trial' day at the daycare, I couldn't let anyone hold her and I sobbed so hard on the way home I had to pull over. I called Dan and asked if I could stay home with her just for a little bit... just until she was older. It meant we gave up a lot b/c we became a one-income family, but I will never look back. I have enjoyed the time I've gotten to spend with her and now Owen.

Six years, six years... it went so fast. Yet, it has gone so slow. I am so thankful that God knew when we needed a child and that He has entrusted Dan and I with this beautiful, sweet young girl. Happy, happy Birthday, Anna. You've made our dreams come true.