12.

A few months ago, Mary Clare started making plans for her 12th birthday. What she wanted most was to spend a day with me, to go to a movie and get a manicure. The day after her birthday, we got to do just that. We went to see "Annie" (then made a quick pit stop with the others at the library so I could feed the baby), went to get her nails done, and went to Barnes & Noble so she could use a gift card.

The day went by quickly, just as these past 12 years have gone.  I don't know how it has been 12 years since we looked at that sweet swollen face of our first baby, or how she could go from a chubby toddler to a poised preteen. But what I do know is that we are blessed with a spunky, fun, creative, smart young lady. We are proud of who she is and who she is becoming, and I hope she will continue to stop for a second to let us in, to allow us share with her the beauty and joys of this world as she experiences them.

We love you so much, Mary Clare, and we look forward to the fun and exciting years to come. Thanks for sharing your special day with me. Happy Birthday!

Adding a few shots from her cake with the N family about a week later...