{she melts my heart}

April 19, 2000 will forever be one of my very most favorite days. That's the day I met my sweet girl....all 4lbs 9oz and 17in of her!

These are some of my favorite pictures of Emma when she was between 4-5....that's about all I made it through before the tears blurred my eyes too much to see the pictures clearly.

Emma Grace,

How can you be 10 already? Wasn't it just yesterday that I held you in my arms throughout your 2hr morning nap? Didn't I just cry with you as you got your kindergarten shots?

Here are a few of my most favorite things about you:

-you're incredibly shy and quiet....the total opposite of me

-you have your own style and aren't easily influenced by your friends

-you love Jesus

-your tender spirit just melts my heart

-you're super compassionate and usually root for the underdog

-you love Eli and don't get annoyed w/him too often

-your face lights up when you talk about animals of all kinds....ok, except snakes! ;)

-you save EVERYTHING.....little scraps of paper, shells, rocks, ribbon, etc (just like Mimi!)

-you love to read

-music is one of your favorite things

-you aren't afraid to try new things

-you're a great and loyal friend

-you blush easily

-you still sleep w/your hands behind your head

-when you love someone or something, you love w/your whole heart

-your giggles still crack me up

-you aren't embarrassed to throw the "I love you" sign up to me

-you sometimes call me "mommy"

Even though my heart is a little sad that you're no longer a "little" girl, I totally love the stage you're in now. You are growing into a beautiful young lady! I love watching as you discover who you are and what's important to you. I'm so very proud of you, Emma!

I love you right up to the moon.....and back!