Happy 6th Birthday, Taylor!

Last night, we enjoyed dinner with my in-laws. As we talked about my father-in-law's recovery from a stroke suffered about 3 1/2 months ago, it dawned on me that today would be Taylor's 6th birthday. Now, don't get me wrong. I've known we'd be celebrating her birthday today with cupcakes and ice-cream and tomorrow at Sea World (per Tay's "Dolphin Party" request), but the days leading up to Taylor's birthday have always been a little awkward. I celebrate our little girl's precious arrival day, and I also grieve the life I thought we'd have together. The day Taylor was born six years ago, we had a new beginning, literally. We put aside many of the dreams conjured up during pregnancy and knew they were no longer reality. That has been why I've had such a tough time each year with this particular day.

I realized last night, at Bev's kitchen sink, that I was filled with awe and joy over this life with Taylor. I am constantly in awe of her. I am constantly in awe of Lauren. I am constantly in awe of Mike and our growth together. I had no idea where we were headed six years ago, and literally couldn't move past the moment. Today I can't believe how far we've all come. I am so grateful for where we've come and look forward to where we're heading. Our dreams may be different than what I had imagined, but they are far greater and greater appreciated than what I had imagined as well!