11 Years...Really? Where has the time gone???

11 years ago today our beautiful Danielle was born!!! It seems so clear in my mind...like it was just yesterday.


I remember bringing her home, sitting on the couch with her and tearing up because I was so overwhelmed by the miracle of becoming a mother.


I remember her first Halloween where she was a pea in a pod and I was so excited every time the door bell rang and I would get to show her off.


I remember her very first dance recital when she was 2 years old.


I remember how excited she was to become a big sister when Joseph was born.


I remember her first day of preschool and then kindergarten.


How is it now that she is in her final year of elementary school!!! So many memories already...time moves quickly...I sometimes wish I could have it stand still for just a short while, especially when I am watching her on stage smiling, dancing and having so much fun!!! I want her life to stay this simple, carefree and happy.


Pre-teen and teen years are coming...challenges will pop up for sure...most I think we will be ready for or at least have support from friends and family that have kids older than ours...the ones I am not ready for are the hurtful words she is bound to hear from peers or worse yet friends. So far she is surrounding herself with very nice, grounded, faith oriented kids - but I think we all know things can change quickly. I pray they stay the same for a long time though.


Check my post from last year to see "her first 10 years" - and now here are a few from this past year.