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We wanted to grow our family, and maybe if we were blessed, lucky whatever you want to call it, even things out. Two boys and two girls. There was a baby before her, but that baby was not ours to keep. That was hard. So hard. Just when you think you are okay, you’re not. My not okay moment came while putting away the clothes. I just had to keep telling myself that there is a greater plan for us. Just be patient, I kept telling myself. Not long after that dark time, God must have decided that we were ready. I’m so very thankful for that!

Four years ago, our family was forever changed. My last baby is no longer a baby. She has grown to be this awesome force of nature – a beautiful mixture of compassion, brains, energy and spunk. We could have never imagined that this little wonder would be ours, we are so blessed. She is stubborn. Three gender determination ultrasounds stubborn. For the planner in me, I needed to know. Just as I was embracing the idea of a surprise delivery, you decided to let us know that we were expecting an Eleanor, instead of a Daniel. When she is ready, she is ready. There is no stopping this one when it is her time to go. This became very apparent to us in her one-push near nurse delivery! All of these things definitely help make life as the baby of four children a lot easier – there is no pushing her around, haha.

People always say that we, the parents, are the ones that learn from our children. It may be cliche, but it is true. She has taught us to be more patient. She has taught us to just enjoy this ride called parenthood.

Little baby of mine, with all the wonderful qualities that you have been blessed with, you will go places. You will go far. We are thankful that we are the ones who get to be there to watch you do amazing things.

xo,

Andrea