I’ve probably told you before, I have a thing for third-born girls. They’re feisty and funny. I can name several third-born girls – my sister, nieces, and friends’ daughters quickly come to mind – who are so much fun to be around. They’re the kind of people who have confidence that keeps them from being wallflowers, a joy that lights up a room, and a sense of humor that makes even adults chuckle.
Honestly, I always wanted a third-born girl, and I’m so grateful God gave me one. She’s proven my theory true in the best ways.
AND TODAY SHE’S TWO!
*****
Dear Rachel girl,
God taught me about joy in everyday life and then gave me you. Since the day you were born, you’ve embodied joy with your expressions and the way you fit in our family.
You’re into everything, especially the food pantry, and like to climb … on the kitchen counter, on the table, and out of the crib. You talk a lot – and more often than not I know what you’re saying. I started a list of your words many months ago, but I’ve lost track because every day there are new ones. You love puppies, so much so we had a “paw-ty” with a dog as a guest on Sunday afternoon. You’ve got expressions for everything possible situation, say “love lou” with the sweetest hugs, and adore your “Benny” and “Dat.”
About a month ago, we moved you from your crib into a toddler bed because it seemed safer after you climbed out with ease. Each naptime and bedtime still is a toss-up whether you’ll just lay down and sleep or quietly pull clothes from the drawers, wipes from the container, and books from the shelf.
Life is more fun with you. Of course, I’m a little tired these days because you’re constant – with your words, your discoveries, and your adventures. But, Rachel, we waited quite for God to grow our family through a third adoption, and I’m so glad He gave us you.
I love your story so much. God surprised us with you and I still want to tell the world about it. Yes, your birth story is the tale of how you came into this world and our family, but it’s also a testimony to God’s faithfulness to never leave us the same.
So, let’s celebrate, dear one. Let’s have cookies and more milk because they’re your favorites.
Let’s be willing to share what we know to be true.
And let’s do it all again tomorrow.
But will you please just go to sleep in your bed?
I love you, sweet girl.
Momma
*****
I really do love the story God has written through Rachel’s life – so much so I updated my ebook from 2014 and made it into a brand-new version of “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.” And, y’all, it’s available in paperback and Kindle version on Amazon.
I’m obviously going to share more about this tomorrow and in the days to come, but for now you should now I really did write a hold-it-in-your-hands book … and I’ve got a fun giveaway happening!
Meanwhile, feel free to look back on Rachel’s little life: One month. Two months. Three months. Four months. Five months. Six months. Seven months. Eight months. Nine months. Ten months. Eleven months. One year. Fifteen months. Eighteen months.
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