Yesterday, Paige celebrated her eighth birthday. I am completely overwhelmed with emotion when I think about that little girl. Our journey has not been an easy road. She has all too often pushed me to my limit and then, knocked me right over the edge. I have spent the past 8 years crying, praying, yelling, and questioning. I am not qualified to raise this little girl. She needs so much more than I have to give. And yet, God continues to remind me that we were made for each other. This little girl is EXACTLY who I need. And she needs me.
My emotion does not come from a place of sadness or frustration. Oh, those have had their times, but this emotion comes from a place of gratefulness and pride. Not in the job that I have done, but in the young lady Paige is becoming and the lessons she has taught me along the way. Her story may just be beginning but it already screams of the One who has great plans for her life. I am so grateful to be a part.
Paige has an insane love for books and she reads fast (just like her mama). When she puts her mind to something, she is focused beyond interruption and will not take no for an answer. She is natural leader in her classroom and makes friends with nearly every student. Paige thrives on quality time and just tonight asked if we could have a date because it feels like she doesn't get to see me very much when she is in school. To which I obviously said yes. Paige also began taking gymnastics this month and is loving the opportunity to get out some energy and put some of her natural talent to use. The child is fearless and strong. Oh, how I pray the mats are thick!
Paige has grown by leaps and bounds this year. The meltdowns and fits that plagued our home last year are now just a random occurrence. The little girl who used acting out and baby talk to get her way has matured into a child who asks for what she needs and explains her feelings....most of the time. Our shy and easily embarrassed 1st grader became a 2nd grader who sold over $700 worth of candles to win 2nd place in her schools fundraiser. Calling friends and family and talking with neighbors all on her own.
If you haven't gotten the gist by now, I'll sum it up for you. I am beyond proud of my baby girl. She has taught me that my job as a mom is not to control her actions but to teach her to be responsible for them. She has taught me about grace and love and patience and self-control. I can't even imagine what the next 20 years have in store!
My emotion does not come from a place of sadness or frustration. Oh, those have had their times, but this emotion comes from a place of gratefulness and pride. Not in the job that I have done, but in the young lady Paige is becoming and the lessons she has taught me along the way. Her story may just be beginning but it already screams of the One who has great plans for her life. I am so grateful to be a part.
Paige has an insane love for books and she reads fast (just like her mama). When she puts her mind to something, she is focused beyond interruption and will not take no for an answer. She is natural leader in her classroom and makes friends with nearly every student. Paige thrives on quality time and just tonight asked if we could have a date because it feels like she doesn't get to see me very much when she is in school. To which I obviously said yes. Paige also began taking gymnastics this month and is loving the opportunity to get out some energy and put some of her natural talent to use. The child is fearless and strong. Oh, how I pray the mats are thick!
Paige has grown by leaps and bounds this year. The meltdowns and fits that plagued our home last year are now just a random occurrence. The little girl who used acting out and baby talk to get her way has matured into a child who asks for what she needs and explains her feelings....most of the time. Our shy and easily embarrassed 1st grader became a 2nd grader who sold over $700 worth of candles to win 2nd place in her schools fundraiser. Calling friends and family and talking with neighbors all on her own.
If you haven't gotten the gist by now, I'll sum it up for you. I am beyond proud of my baby girl. She has taught me that my job as a mom is not to control her actions but to teach her to be responsible for them. She has taught me about grace and love and patience and self-control. I can't even imagine what the next 20 years have in store!
Happy Birthday, Paige!
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