It Was 18 Years Ago Today

No, Sergeant Pepper didn't teach the band to play. It was when Rachel was born!

She wouldn't like it if I got all gooey and sentimental about it so I won't but I can't let the day pass without marking it in some way. She was born today and we got the news we would be her parents not 24 hours later. A bit of jaundice had to be cleared up before we could take her home from the Stillwater hospital a couple of days later but by then our lives had been irrevocably altered. The days have been blessed ever since.

Rachel's turning into quite a young lady. She's having to make some big decisions now that'll affect life in the years ahead, just like a grownup. That's the way it's supposed to be but I can't help but think back on those early, heady days with her. They're always your baby, aren't they, no matter how old they are?

How will we celebrate? You can be sure she's been working us over pretty good for the last few weeks, allowing us to consider some major clothing purchases as her birthday present. Of course, we've lost count of what we've bought her and what we've still to get her - you don't think that's part of her plan, do you? - but we'll be doing a special dinner for her tonight.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got something in my eye.

Sniff.

(More here on the girls' adoption and the part the rest of our family has played in all of this. Our blessings are endless.)