5 Years

Happy Birthday, Julie! Somehow, some way, the last 3 1/2 years have flown by and you are no longer the little 17 month old girl that you were when we met. You were so very tiny (15 pounds!), yet you were full of personality. Nothing daunted you then and it is the same today. You love to be silly and you love adventure. You can read, write, dance and sing (in tune, nonetheless!). I cannot believe how much you have changed and how many obstacles you have overcome. We have all worked very hard, you most of all. There have been times when I didn't know if you would be able to do something and you have proven me wrong over and over. I watched you tuck your stuffed animals into bed tonight and my heart swelled. You said good night to each of them by name and gave them each two kisses on the nose. There is barely any room left for you in the bed! This may seem like a very ordinary bedtime scene to many, but it represents so much more for us. You are amazing! You are also the little girl who made me "Mommy" for the first time. You are my "number 1 baby," as you like to say. You changed my life completely and forever, and we will always share a special bond. I love you, Julie Lu Lu :).


(Julie in her new tent. She opened gifts in the dark since we lost power first thing in the morning!)