Today, Megan turns 8.
I remember the day she was born, like it was yesterday. Her first year was the hardest of my life! Ha! She was induced because her daddy could only be home for one week before having to be back in Oklahoma. I spent the last 4 months of my pregnancy, alone in Indiana with just Gretchen and myself. DJ had already moved to Tulsa, and he was able to come home for one week, so our doctor agreed to induce, so he could be there. A few days later, he was back in Oklahoma, and when she was two weeks old, we made the move from Indiana to Oklahoma.
That summer was full of learning to adjust. I'll never forget having boxes stacked high to the ceiling of our house and calling her to come help because there was no way I could unpack with a newborn.
Oh, that year was so hard, and so worth it.
I started looking for photos for this post, and I had the hardest time narrowing it down. As I was scrolling through all of the memories flooded back and there were so many smiles creeping across my face.
Megan exudes happiness. She is just a bright spirit and fun to be around. I've always had to explain her personality, because the one that people see outside of our home is so entirely different than the one we see when it's just us.
At school, she's so well behaved, so quite, shy, well mannered, timid. But at home, she's loud, flamboyant, jumping around everywhere, loud, the clown, the star, the joy.
This year has probably been hard for her. She was thriving in Oklahoma. She loved her friends at school and had the sweetest group. Oklahoma was home for her and all she had ever known. We went through some adjustments this year, but she's back to her old, smiley, silly self.
Megan is learning to love to read. She loves to play with her Barbie dolls, loves watching You Tube videos, and loves being the big sister to Addy. She's always been a "little mommy" and she still is. She takes care of everyone. She's helpful and kind, but still loves to be the center of attention.
I pray that she'll always have a fun loving spirit. That life will always be fun for her. I continue to pray that she'll meet sweet, sweet friends. Ones that will build her up and let her be herself. She wants to be a gymnast when she grows up and is tumbling everywhere. She's constantly doing handstands against the wall, cartwheeling, or doing flips around the couch. She loves to practice back handsprings on the trampoline. She also loves one on one time with either DJ or myself.
She says that she wants to have kids, but doesn't want to get married.
She's wild and crazy. She'll shake her booty, show off her belly, her muscles- she's obsessed with the idea of crop tops. I know that she's going to give me lots of gray hairs when she's a teenager!
Dear Megan,
Today you are 8! When you were born, we were so proud. So in love.... and we still are today! Thank you for always bringing a smile to our face. Thank you for having a big personality. Thank you for loving your sisters and for being helpful. You are so brave. You are so strong!
I know it was hard for you to leave behind your friends this year. I know you were afraid and scared, but you did hard things, and you grew in mind and spirit.
I pray that you'll always have the determination and will to do whatever it is that you love! You currently want to take horse back riding lessons, but you also love gymnastics. You want to play soccer and basketball. Don't ever give up that spirit of determination and passion. Do whatever it is that you set your mind to and don't let anyone tell you you aren't capable.
I know that sometimes you're shy and afraid, but I pray that you'll lean on Jesus and you'll learn when it's okay to be big and bold. I pray that other's will see that rambunctious side of you, and that you won't hide it from others. It's what makes you unique and special. You're the life of the party. You bring so much joy and laughter in to our home.
We are so thankful God gave you to us. We are so thankful that you are here.
We love you birthday girl!!!
Friends, I hope that as you scroll through these photos, you'll see the side of Megan that we know. You'll see that quite and reserved side, but also that wild, fun side. I wish everyone could meet Megan, because she's just such a light to others.
Happy 8th Birthday Megan Claire.
