Before you even ask…YES, I have 2 kids with birthdays the first week of January (and Brad’s is the week of Christmas).  Not very good planning.  I’ve never been known for my planning!

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Happy Birthday to my Sweet AnnaLeigh!

(a.k.a., Pinky, Leigh, Maniac)

I just can’t tell you how much I love this little maniac!  She is small and mighty.  She rules the roost!  She is a miniature little woman, but has her mama’s Italian temper.  She has brought our whole family so much joy!  She makes us smile every single day, from the time she wakes up and starts demanding, “Come get me out!” to the way she bosses Sam (“Hammy”) around.  She’s a woman who knows exactly what she wants and will make everyone laugh as she gets her way.  Her smile lights up the room. She’s cute, wild, speedy, and loves people.

She is loving and motherly and LOVES babies. She loves her cousin Truett.  She’s 5 weeks older, and they have so much fun together.

AnnaLeigh completely has my heart!

We’re joined at the hip…almost literally!  At a whopping 21 pounds, I carry this child 90% of the time, and I love it!  I love that she loves me, and I love that she wants me.  She’s my shadow.  I love my little sidekick!  She melts my heart daily with her cute little personality.

I just can’t believe this little baby girl is 2!!!

Seems so cliche, but it’s just so true.  Time is flying.  I am trying to treasure every moment with my little Pinky, but somehow my baby is still growing up…even though I’ve demanded repeatedly that she not!  The good thing is that she’s getting older, but not bigger…so at least she’s trying to obey, right?

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Lord, thank you for this sweet little firecracker that was such a surprise!  We didn’t plan this child at this time, but your plans are always greater!  Thank you for the absolute joy that she brings every one of us.  Thank you that my baby girls each have a sister to lean on and love.  Thank you that she has a wonderful older brother, whom she respects and admires.  Thank you for her precious smile and her nurturing little heart.  Thank you for her health, her abilities, her personality.  Please protect her and help me to protect her innocense.  Help me to know how to discipline her and train her in the way she should go.  Please guide her and give her wisdom and discernment that only comes from you.  Please help her to be a sweet friend and to have wonderful Christian friends, as I always have.  Thank you for blessing our world with this baby girl!