double digits

Ten years ago I was wheeled from my doctor's office in Payson, Utah to the hospital next door for an unexpected c-section. Our Mabel was ready to enter this world, and to my doctor's great surprise, she was trying to do it feet first. The surgery was over before I knew it and there she was, the most beautiful baby I had ever seen: perfectly round little head, rosy cheeks, ten teeny finger nails. I loved her immediately, but I was completely unprepared for our new life together. I had no idea what I was doing! I was young and far from my family and felt very much alone. But I wasn't, not really. I had this little girl to keep me company, and day by day, she taught me how to be a mother.

I know now how easy she made it for me. She has a naturally sunny disposition, is quick to smile, and is so bright. She has always done what I have asked without complaint, and is just about the best girl you will ever meet. I love that her sense of humor is starting to develop, and I'm not one bit surprised to see that it leans toward the sarcastic. (Do you know her father? Sometimes I still don't catch his sarcasm.)

She is patient with Stella, a good friend to Oliver, and she adores Elliot. She jumps to his rescue quicker than anyone. She gracefully bears the responsibility of being the first, and I really don't know what we would do without her.

We love you Mabel. Happy birthday!


all photos taken last November by Sunshine & Shade