a special day for the birthday babe

 This past year with three children has really flown by. This year was a special one. It was the first year in a while it would be just us at home, no extra kids and no set schedule. The final year before school started and we would no longer be free. My goal was to spend this year together and enjoy our precious time. While some days were obviously challenging, the kids are very bonded and great friends. Mission accomplished!

This year has been a challenging one. Starting from Vera's birth, we have been thrown some curve balls. With each challenge, we have felt God's hand in our lives in a much deeper way than ever before. It has been a humbling year where I have felt the growing pains that comes with age and life.

 With each child I feel a different but special bond and with Vera that bond started before she was ever born. This girl is truly a light and sense of peace and joy to everyone in our family. She is the baby to everyone, not just Mom and Dad. Our girls have a sister bond that was strong from day one. I was pleasantly surprised that Dieter started and has stayed so kind and tender with her. He loves his "sissy Lala" and is very protective of her.

There are so many pictures of Vera Claire that are my favorites, but I'll share just a few. She is an angle baby and I am humbled she is mine.  Happy Birthday Lala!!!!!