10 years ago...

we welcomed Emily Grace Allen into our family at 11:57 p.m.

Emily,

Having you as a daughter for the past 10 years has been wonderful! I spent yesterday looking through your baby pictures to post on this blog entry. I know you get mad when I take so many pictures but looking back today made me so glad I do.

Did you know...you are the first grandchild to both sides of the family?

You were blessed with FOUR great grandma's and ONE great grandpa when you were born. All of the great grandparents were able to come to your baptism!Not many babies can say that!

Today I looked at pictures of your Pooh bear on the day you got it. Pooh head was in one peice and the blanket part was very pink! Made me think of how you would "silk" him when you were a baby. You would even growl while you were silking him!

I saw pictures of you watching Snow White which was your first favorite movie. We watched it over and over and over!

I saw pics of your first trip on a plane when we flew to NJ to surprise Baba. I giggled when I looked at the picture of you being wanded in the Newark airport because you set off the metal detector. I also saw pictures of the different times we have gone to NJ to visit with my side of the family.

Your second birthday you received "I'm a big sister" t-shirt to annouce my pregnancy to the family! You have been an awesome big sister to Megan! You are always looking out for her!

Numerous pictures of the Columbus Zoo and now the Cincinnati Zoo!!!

I was flooded with many emotions. Lots of pictures of gymnastics, dance, birthday parties, t-ball, softball, soccer, playing outside with the neighbor kids, playing at the park, swimming, school functions, etc.

One thing I noticed is you are always smiling! I looked at some pictures of you playing soccer when it was freezing cold but you still had a smile on your face while you were running! Same with basketball this past winter. Always smiling.

I know you and I don't always see eye to eye. I have a feeling it will only get worse as you get older! I just want you to remember one thing. I love you more than anything. I will never ask more of you than what I know you are capable of. My decisions for you may not always be the best decisions in your mind but please know I have my reasons.

You have brought so much joy to everyone and I can't imagine my life without you. You are beautiful both inside and out! I love you Emily and Iwant to thank you for putting up with me!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!

Love, Mom