Thursday, June 21, 2012

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

11 comments:

  1. such beautiful photos of your mabel. hope she has a fun birthday.

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  2. What a sweet post, Steph! We love Mabel, too, and hope her birthday is awesome. Love these photos!!

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  3. love that girl. lots has happened in 10 years but mabel is one of the happiest events. happy birthday mabel. you are so blessed to have such a warm and loving family and they are blessed to have you.

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  4. What a nice post; I want a Mabel! Enjoy your birthday!

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  5. Happy Birthday, Mabel. Congratulations on reaching the big "1""OH" See you tonight for cake!

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  6. I can see her cheery disposition shining through all your photos. Happy Birthday to your sweet girl! :)

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  7. Lovely girl! My husband is from Payson, Utah too!

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  8. yay! that was beautiful - and mabel is just so perfect. miss you guys.

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  9. She is beautiful...inside and out.

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  10. She is a special girl! I loved having her in art class. Happy birthday to the big 10 year old! With a mom like she has of course she is good!!

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  11. thats so funny because the other day i was looking at a folder on our computer that said friends and in it was a picture of mabel as a baby with mike. i should email it to you.. she is a cute girl and went to a great family

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