Happy Birthday Emily!

Nine years ago today I was lying in a hospital bed, crying and begging for the doctors to induce me. My dear daughter had overstayed her welcome by one week and J would be leaving for a week in two short days. It was imperative that I put the "Closed" sign on my womb and evict the tenant. The doctor's finally relented and decided to induce my labor. I tried to tell them that I'd be no trouble, my babies come quick and I wouldn't use too much of their time. They didn't believe me.

From the start of Pitocin to a bouncing, screaming baby girl in my arms was 2 1/2 hours. I secretly love proving people wrong; one labor nurse in particular.

It is hard to believe my little girl is 9 years old today. Here are a few things I love about Emily.

* She has a very caring heart and is always thinking of other people.

* She loves any type of crafts, making for a great craft partner.

* She has beautiful eyes that are a color of her own. Her eyes are a grayish green that doesn't match anyone in the entire family.

* She has beautiful, thick hair. She often likes to complain about how thick her hair is and I remind her that she didn't have a choice; it is a trait that she comes by honestly.

* She makes friends easily but then does not forget them when we move her around often. She will have many friends all over the country by the time she graduates.

* She loves little children and is wonderful with them; she will make an excellent babysitter in a few years.

* She likes to bake and cook.

* She is an excellent student whom the teachers always love.

* She is extremely responsible for her age.

We will be taking Emily and three of her friends to lunch and a movie on Saturday to celebrate.