eight

eight years. 

eight years of bright blue eyes and brown curly hair.

eight years of sweet, a little sass and a whole lot of drama.

eight years of mary ryan hauck.

birthdays are a big deal around here. a child's excitement for their special day is so contagious. you just can't help but get caught up in it. to them it means praise and attention and gifts...but to moms it means so much more. it means we have succeeded another year on the quest to keep your child alive and thriving. another year of bedtime rituals, kissing boo boos and praying they remember you laughing more than yelling.

i love celebrating the day they were born because that day...for every single one of my kids...was the best day of my life.

february 15, 2008 changed my life in the very best way possible. she was 5 long and agonizing days overdue but after 24 hours in the hospital a tiny little brunette was placed in my arms and she's been leaving me speechless ever since.

here are some highlights from february 15, 2016...