A Better World

16 very short years ago, the world became a better place. A happier, funner, more complete place to be.

The date was November 2, 1993. It was a crisp Autumn morning with bright blue skies and happy, chirping birds. And, most importanly, it was my first day as a mother to a darling baby girl.

Kiersten was born at 2:14 pm. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long. She was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. My labor with her took just over two hours and when I saw her, I fell in love. She had just a few pieces of very blond hair, long feet, and the cutest lips, nose and chubby cheeks I have ever seen! I couldn't quit kissing her.

Kiersten is such a great girl. We've watched her go through so many stages of life already. She was quite shy in her younger years and would hide behind my legs when someone new approached her. She was also very into Barney, the big Purple Dinosaur!! One afternoon when Kier was about 3, I laid her and Sam down for a nap. Usually they would put up a fight and cry, but this day they just laid down and it got very quiet very quickly. I was congratulating myself on what a great mom I was until I started to hear little giggles coming out of their room. I peeked in to check on them and was so surprised at what I saw! Kiersten had found a purple (permanent) marker and had colored her whole body (and Sam's!) purple so they could look more like Barney!! That was Kiersten first attempt at art - and what a masterpiece it was!!

As the years went by, Kiersten became a little less shy, quite a bit better at art and the funnest daughter I could ever hope to have. She is energetic, smart, kind, helpful, loving, a good friend and daughter, and a spiritual daughter of God.

I love you so much, Kier. I'm so glad you're my daughter and growing up to be so beautiful, inside and out! Never forget your goals in life and remember that you have so many family and friends that look up to you and love you.

Have a fabulous day and a great year, my love - you deserve it!!
xoxo