Birthday Love!

     Yes, we are in the midst of another birthday for my darling child!  December 17, 2001 my life changed, and it did so for the better.  I went from a naive young lady, not too concerned about how things were in the world, admittedly a little selfish at times, to a woman that cares so much for the little girl that has changed my life and the lives of so many family, friends and loved ones near and far.  Kerstin is loved so much!  I cannot express fully the love she is shown over and over and over!  

     I feel so blessed to be called "Kerstin's mommy"!  I have said so many times that this little girl has changed my life, she has forced me to grow in ways I would have never thought.  This year, I am so thankful and at the same time a bit saddened.  This is the first year that Kerstin is celebrating a birthday without her Granny!  

Moments after giving birth to Kerstin, she was in my mom's arms.  

  

Hours after Miss Kerstin arrived; three generations. 

Two weeks  after her birth; at her first doctor's appointment. 

     The lady that walked into the hospital with me and did not leave until her children went home.  It is hard being a mom without the support and encouragement from my mom yet, we are going to make the most of it and celebrate life.  My mom would have it no other way.  She was always so supportive and was there for her children however and whenever she needed them.  Couldn't ask for a better mom! 

     So, here we are 14 years later, and everyday is a new step on our journey.  There have been some days, when I thought I wanted to just completely give up.  The words of wisdom from my mom always ring in the back of my mind, "You may give out but don't give up!"  

     Things that I am not giving up on:  the love I have for Kerstin, advocating for children and adults with special health and educational needs, faith, and  overall hope!  As we celebrate Kerstin's birthday and the holidays, we are filled with mixed emotions but, love outweighs them all.  

     So, Happy Birthday to the best child I know!  The love of my life, my joy, my reason for doing a lot of the things that I do.  I'm looking forward to more of this journey of Growing With Kerstin, we have a lot to do!

Happy Birthday, my wonderful child!!!

     

December 17, 2001

     Kerstin was on her way to change my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said about my love for this little girl that has done amazing things in her now, 13 years of life!  Kerstin has and continues to touch so many hearts with that big, bright smile of hers.  I've told my family on several occasions that Kerstin has this ability to make people love and want to be around her,

     Last year, I wrote the post "We Met!" I was excited to meet this person that was growing and moving inside me.  I was  happy to see the person that I would be "mom' to.  December 17 is a day that this momma cannot forget.  I couldn't believe that I was to be someone's mom and now, I cannot believe that she is a teenager!!! 

     Kerstin knows that she is loved and cared for by so many people.  She has a big day coming up!  Glad she is feeling better, we are skipping school and going out, then she has to go to her cousins school for their Christmas program.  Friday, she is going to see "Annie" on it's opening day.  Saturday; a big day is planned...an awareness party, celebrating KERSTIN!   Pictures will come later. 

   So, to Miss Kerstin, just an ever so gentle reminder, using the words of Bruno Mars:  "When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change, cause you're amazing just the way you are..."
You are amazing girl...this is your day.  Happy Birthday, I love you so much my princess. 

Happy Birthday Kerstin!

We met!!

     It is hard to believe that December 17th has rolled around once again.  This day 12 years ago, someone entered my life and changed it forever!

     Rewind to the moment my doctor told me that I was pregnant.  I remember being in a state of wonder.  Me?  Someone's mom?  Can I do this? That soon changed to, "what is this little person going to look like?"  What kind of personality will the little one have?   Seeing the sonogram..."It's a girl!!!" I knew that I had to be the best mom possible to this little girl growing inside of me.

Definitely a girl named Kerstin, making her way to change my world!

     Now knowing that "the little person" was a girl, I grew anxious to meet her and see her face.  I wanted to let her know just how much mommy loves her.  So a few months after the sonogram, I got to meet, Kerstin!

     December 17, 2001 was a cold and rainy day in Alabama.  3:38 p.m. Kerstin entered my world!

 We met!!! I completely fell in love with this little girl!  She changed my life in ways that I never imagined.

We and I never knew that I would be on an unexpected journey.

We met and I have come out of a shell of shyness. 

When I met Kerstin, my beautiful child, I never knew I needed her to turn my life around for the better.  I never knew I needed her to be the reason I look at the things so many people look past, or never give a second thought. 

We met and Kerstin has bought so much love to my heart and to most of the people around us.

I never knew I needed someone so loving in my life.  Kerstin is my angel, my strength and my life!

We met and my life will never be the same!!

Happy Birthday to my love!!

Just a glimpse into our life over the past 12 years. It seems as if Kerstin's birthday is synonymous with Christmas, since they are a week apart, so most of her birthday pictures are Christmas pictures. 

When I first heard the lyrics to this song are so befitting to me and out lives.  When I first heard them, I was in love with it and it just so happens to be one of Kerstins's favorite songs as well!

"For the way you changed my plans
For being the perfect distraction
For the way you took the idea that I have
Of everything that I wanted to have
And made me see there was something missing, oh yeah..."

Here's the video....enjoy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!

More to come...