Four years ago today we were on a plane somewhere near the grand canyon. (It looks really small from 35000 feet, off the topic...sorry) anyway... We landed in Las Vegas and received a phone call that our baby girl had been born.. 8lbs 9 oz. We screamed on the plane and all of the Southwest Airlines' crew and passengers cheered and clapped for us. After what seemed like a 2 day layover (it was 2 hours) we were on our final flight to Portland Oregon. We landed, rented a car (it had a flat tire), changed vehicles and were on our way to Salem. We arrived at Salem Hospital very nervous and anxious. Our Bethany case worker introduced herself and took us to meet the birth grandmother and great grandmother. They followed us into the nursery where we saw the most beautiful baby in the world. We both burst into tears, as did everyone around us. David started singing to her, I just stood and cried. I will never forget how full my arms felt when I held her for the first time. I had never known such completeness. All of our prayers had been answered. After a week in a hotel in Portland, we flew home and introduced our daughter to her brother, grandparents and a church full of wonderful people who had helped us get her into our arms.
Skip forward 4 years... our princess is a live wire. She never stops talking or moving. And if there were ever a girl who was in charge and knew what she wanted in life..it is Olivia. She has the vocabulary of a teenager and the reasoning skills of a graduate student. Beauty, intelligence and spirit...what blessings God has poured out on her! There are times when she wears me out, she gives new definition to "strong willed". But when I look at her and remember all that God orchestrated to bring her into our family, my heart overflows.
I love you sweet Olivia, you are my precious princess and I treasure you. Happy Birthday to the greatest daughter in the world!
