Today is Paisley's birthday - she is 3 years old. It's hard to believe that 3 years ago on this date I was giving birth to my first child. I look back and realize how clueless I was then. So clueless, in fact, that I didn't even realize the happiness my children would bring to my life. Oh, I hoped they would make me happy - I even suspected they would. But I really didn't appreciate the absolute JOY that would enter my heart (more and more) with each passing day. I may be speaking too freely here, but I really do not think people who decide not to have children can appreciate what they are missing out on. It's indescribable really - the complete passion and vulnerability that our children evoke within us. I was listening to this guy on the radio this morning get so passionate about his children that he was willing to embarrass himself on live radio in order to convince the station DJ's that his child was the cutest kid in Atlanta. He had missed the deadline to submit his child for the contest... but he thought he could convince the DJs if he got angry and passionate enough about it. All the DJs could do was laugh - but loving a child can make you that passionate sometimes (even borderline crazy).
The point really is that it gave me such joy to watch Paisley at her birthday party. She really loves life and thoroughly enjoyed every second of her party. There's not much in her life that she doesn't embrace (it may take a little nudge here and there but eventually she'll embrace it). She is very independent but also sweet, loving and full of life.
As I sit here and reflect on the last 3 years... one word sums it up. HAPPY!
HAPPY Birthday, Miss P!
