Happy Birthday, Beautiful Bethany...

Seven years ago, on April 19th, I gave birth to my 9 lb. baby girl and immediately I knew that her name should be Bethany. It wasn't one of the top names on our list, but as soon as I saw her face, the name just fit. I don't remember having that feeling with any of the others. After several inductions, Chris and I were hoping for a natural labor this time, but after a 45-minute labor with Kimberley, these four hours seemed liked the longest in my life. Her head was large also, so the delivery itself was difficult, and I think I harbored a tiny bit of resentment for the first couple of days. But Bethany's huge eyes and deep dimple, coupled with her pleasant spirit quickly made me forgive and forget.


(age 2 1/2)

This little girl has a beautiful heart. She delights in serving others. How many times have I walked into another room to find Bethany busily picking up or folding laundry just to surprise me? So often as we sit playing games together, she works her way around the outside of the circle, giving backrubs.


(age 5)

We used to call her "the moose" when she was a baby. She was the kind of child who would stand between us in bed and fall headlong, bumping into our heads. So close in age to delicate, graceful Kimberley, she tried to follow in her footsteps, only to kalump and plop her way behind. Her ever-present cheerfulness was the only thing that kept her from coming across as a total klutz. Still, every night when she kisses me good-night, it's more of a bump with her teeth and I always have to wipe my cheek dry afterwards.


(age 3)

She adores the babies, but somehow always manages to end up hurting them no matter how careful she is. And then she looks up with such a shocked look of sorrow. She's never sure how it happened either, but often she cries too.


(age 3)

It doesn't take much to make her happy. Even a scrap of colored paper or an extra sticker bring joy to her face and she'll run off to busily create another something. This little girl is so content at home and always busy with a puzzle, a craft, or a game. She'll sit at the counter for hours just working away quietly. It's no surprise then that she is quite a ways ahead in her schoolwork. She usually drags her books out and works on Saturdays, too - "just for fun."


(Easter Sunday, '09)

All of our girls' middle names are after a relative, and Bethany shares my middle name. Just the other day we were talking about it and she told me how glad she is that she has my name because she loves me so much. :)


(age 2 1/2)

I call her "my little paradox." Patent leather shoes with bloody knees, lover of all things feminine and zero sense of modesty... How can someone with such a sweet and beautiful heart be so lacking in grace and daintiness? We are so thankful for the seven years God has gifted our family with her little life.


(July, '08)


* * *

I spent the afternoon sewing her a new birthday outfit, complete with a cute little hairbow. She has already tried on the skirt, but she hasn't seen the shirt yet. I can't wait for morning...

Happy Birthday, Bethany Renee!

♥ We love you! ♥

(taken yesterday)