And then, she was 4

4 years ago today I became a Mommy. At exactly 8:23 pm, Delaney Grace Mikkelson made her debut after 2 hours of pushing and about 22 hours of total labor. All 8 lbs., 9 oz of her. Not pleasant, but so worth it. It is absolutely amazing to experience such a blessing. As my mom said,  "I think it's a miracle that 3 people can be in a room, the door is shut, no one else comes in and 4 people leave after it's over." It's a miracle. And I got to do twice:)

Being a mommy to our little girl is the most exhausting, exciting, rewarding job there is. I look at her and can't believe we made her. And then, she talks and I KNOW we made her. She has a personality that will have you in fits of laughter one minute and then spitting nails the next. She can melt you with her hugs and sweet words and knows how to push your buttons.

It really does not seem like 4 years ago she was brand new. Holy cow how things have changed. When she came home from the hospital, I could not even pee without my mom there, let alone shower or get dressed. I was nervous all the time! And then, when the little munchie was 9 months old, I found out I was pregnant with Brody and life changed again. Our 'normal' keeps evolving and I love it. Yes, a part of me wants an organized, scheduled life that never strays,  but I know that God has a different plan for me. I know that it is not my timing and my plan, but His and I know that I need to just surrender to it.

I am so grateful for our kids.... they have taught me so much more than I could have even imagined. Delaney's ability to strike up a conversation with a random adult is both terrifying and amazing. I know teenagers that don't do that.  The fact that she is the "helper" in her church class makes my heart happy. Yes, she is stubborn and a terrific "i just need one more thing" at bedtime procrastinator, but that's what makes her Delaney. She is one of a kind and we couldn't love her more.

The joy she brings to our family is immeasurable.