Anne was born on January 11, 2005. She was born at exactly 11:00 am on 1/11 - I always thought that was cool. She was slightly smaller than Jarod weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. and she was 20 1/2 inches long. She was perfect.Unlike Jarod, who was a surprise, Anne was planned. In as much as we humans can "plan" a baby. We held off on having any other children until about a year after my mom died. We could not have had a baby in that turmoil and we allowed ourselves to get back to normal afterward. If there is a 'normal' for us.
We began to pray for a new baby. We knew our family wasn't complete. And boy - was she prayed for. I say that with a smirk because Russ and I believe very strongly in being specific when we pray. I asked the Lord, of course, to make the baby healthy. I prayed for the baby to be a good sleeper, a good eater, that it wouldn't be a spitter like Jarod. Man! That kid spit everything back up constantly! He has always had a high gag reflex and I did more laundry with him as we went through several burp rags and outfits all day long! Yes, Lord please let this baby keep their food down. Very early in the pregnancy I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa. It's a condition where the placenta is too low in the uterus. A C-section is required as both the mother and baby could bleed to death. I wasn't put on bed rest but I was very much limited as to the things I could do. Lifting, etc. So we prayed that God would move the placenta and take care of that situation as well.
God answered our prayers and a beautiful, healthy baby was born naturally as the Lord moved the placenta out of the way too. He is so good.
She has had her Daddy wrapped from day one. I love this photo - it is my absolute favorite of her. I just happened to have the camera when she twisted her head back like this to look at Russell. She was only 6 weeks old. Such a sweet baby girl.
Now, I have to say that she was an awesome sleeper. 12 hours a night from about 8 weeks. She has always eaten anything we give her. And she never had one spit up. She was the cleanest little thing. I don't think she ever threw up until she was about 2 1/2. (We discovered that she gets car sick when her daddy takes mountain roads in North Carolina too fast.) Anyway - it was only after she started to get older that we began to see how the other prayer requests were answered.
As you can see - we were a little concerned on the prayer request about the hair.
But, her hair begins to grow and we discover that it's gorgeous! God did give her great hair. She gets it from her daddy!
And her personality is beginning to come out - we found out early how funny and how quick she is. Just like her daddy!
And beautiful eyes to match. And do you see my nose in there? Do ya? It's there! It really is!
Is it bad to ask God to give your daughter your nose instead of your husband's?
And then there is this.
Me at about 3 1/2. I do believe Russell's prayer was answered. Scary!
I think our Anne girl is proof that God answers prayers. He is a God of details and things that really are not that important in the whole scheme of things, matter to Him because they matter to us.
We are so proud of our Anne. All kidding aside, she is a pure joy to be around. She has a spunky, tell it like it is personality. We never know what is going to come out of her mouth next. And she usually has us in complete stitches. She definitely has Russell's quick whit as we are continually amazed at how quickly she can react and say something absolutely hilarious! And stay straight faced about it.
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| "Mom, can we take Kidd home?" |
She is growing into a beautiful little girl and she is learning lots about Jesus and how much He loves her. She loves to sing and makes up some really cool songs. Usually it's her own worship song.
She was only 3 1/2 during our trip to Oregon where she was introduced to horses as well. This is her with Kidd.
Anne is very adventurous and will try anything once. I can't think of one thing she is afraid of. She likes to be right up front where all the action is taking part with everyone else. She hates to be left out of anything.
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| Hansel and Gretel 2010 |
She is a great helper. She loves to help me in the kitchen when I'm cooking and she's great at helping me dust!
We put her in dance last year and she absolutely loves it. It's been amazing to watch her grow and begin to have the poise and grace of a dancer.
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| Photo taken by Tammy Sybelnik - Wedding and Portrait Photographers |
Of course she is very girly and loves everything having to do with fairies and princesses. What little girl doesn't?
In July of 2011, Anne accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized. This was a very special day for our family.
Anne is now 11 and in 6th Grade. She loves to dance. Ballet and Contemporary are her favorite. We love to watch her - she is so graceful. We are so thankful for the opportunity to have her in our lives. God has truly given us a gift. I know I spent a lot of time talking about how beautiful God has made her. I'm allowed - it's a mother's prerogative.
I know that God is working on her heart and she will emerge into a beautiful young woman, both inside and out. I know because God is a God of the heart. It's the most important thing to him. And I know because He answers my prayers.
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| Easter 2014 |
Fall 2016
