Happy Birthday, Aliyah!!!

It's almost hard to fathom how quickly time has passed since the birth of our firstborn. On August 12, 2002, our teeny tiny girl was born. She tipped the scale at 5 lbs. 6 ounces. She was full term--induced 9 days before my due date.

She quickly let us know she had made her entrance as she tried out her lungs. It seems she hasn't stopped since. Whether talking about whatever interests her, asking questions, making funny animal noises or whatever we are blessed by Aliyah. She is very sweet and loves to help mother her little sister. At times, little sister mothers Aliyah.

She has great interest in animals, babies, science, math, laughter, and reading. There has never been a dollar wasted on a stuffed animal or book or really any toy with Aliyah. She loves them til they are tattered, torn, and look very LOVED and continues to love them.

Sometimes we wonder if she is part fish. She loves swimming. Whether it is playing on the water jungle gym, playing with little sis in the kiddie pool, learning how to better swim in the swimming pool, or riding waves in Lake Michigan or the ocean--she loves it all! As a result, she is very tan!!

She loves her kitty, Tufsey and her family! She is quite the cuddlebug and sweetie pie. Many would think she's 4, but nope--she is now 7!!! Hello to 2nd grade!!

We love you, Aliyah and thank God for the wonderful blessing of you!! Happy 7th Birthday!