Shaylie is 9!!!!

Today, my beautiful Shaylie turned 9 years old! I can't believe how fast time goes by (cliche I know). It doesn't seem that long ago that she was a new little baby and now she is 9 years old and in 3rd grade. Shaylie is an awesome kid and I can't imagine my life without her. Shaylie is a great person with a lot to offer (if you know her you know what I mean).

To honor her on her birthday here's a list of nine things I love about her:

1. Shaylie is a very loving child and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to help with her sister and her cousins (she is the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family).

2. Shaylie is an AWESOME student and is always at the top of her class.

3. Shalyie is willing to help others with just about anything.

4. Shalylie loves to play with her little sister and be the "teacher" and teach her new things.

5. Shaylie is a very social child. She enters new situations very easy and with a lot of confidence. She is able to make friends at the drop of a hat.

6. Shaylie is very athletic! She amazes me with some of the things she is able to do at her age!

7. Shaylie is a WONDERFUL reader! In fact I have a hard time keeping up with her and providing books that she hasn't already read a million times.

8. Shaylie is a quick learner. She loves to learn new things and is always asking questions and wanting to know all about different things.

9. Shaylie is a stubborn girl and knows what she wants. Now some of the time this is a major source of stress for me, and sometimes it causes us to fight, but I am very grateful that she has this quality. She knows her own mind and knows what she wants to do. She has goals and likes to achieve them.

Here are some then and now pictures of Shaylie!

Shaylie at 15 months old!

Shaylie at almost 2 years old!

Shaylie - August 2009

Shaylie is an awesome kid and I know I am a better person for being given the opportunity to be her mother. I love her with all my heart and know that she will do great things in her life. Happy Birthday baby girl! We love you!!

*We are having her birthday party on Saturday and I will post pictures of that next week.