Gracie Lou Freebird turns 11

Grace has had the nick name Gracie Lou Freebird for a long time. I think first coming from her Uncle Brent. It also fits her free spirit perfectly. Every birthday our kids get to pick where they want to eat for dinner. Grace chose Mugg and Bean which is kinda a South African version of Chilis and Starbucks mixed together. We love this place. Although too late for David to have their famous bottomless coffee. You don't get free refills or an endless amount of drinks pretty much anywhere here, so it's a treat when it happens.

Ok, so Grace turned 11. I can't believe my baby turned 11. In some ways it seems like yesterday when she was born. Every year I go over the story with her of the day she was born. How Melissa was there and I was so excited because she missed the birth of Matthew by 3 days because he was late and she left to be a Journeyman with the IMB. Her Aunt Becca was there to take pictures. And Andrew was there after driving Richard to the hospital. I think Richard needed the hospital after Andrew drove. Her daddy was there of course and got to deliver her. I kept reminding the doctor so much about cutting the cord, he asked if David wanted to deliver the baby and I don't think he expected him to say yes. But he did and what a special moment when for all these months I thought Grace was a boy. We never found out before hand because it's such a special surprise in that moment. So to me, I had carried the same, the heart beat was the same and I knew I was going to be blessed with another boy. What a surprise!!

What a special gift Grace is and will continue to grow us as parents as she becomes a young lady. And probably test us with her hormonally enraged teenage years. All the same, she is a gift and we are ever thankful!