And now I'll cry...

She's seven today.
SEVEN.

She has such an awesome birth story.
We didn't know if she was a boy or a girl, but we were certain she was a BOY.
We were certain no matter how many children we had, they would be all boys.
I knew that God knew I didn't know how to deal with girls.
And then she was born.
And Paul said, "It's a BOY" at the exact same time the doctor said, "It's a GIRL".
WHAT?
So I say, "WELL?!? What IS it?A boy or girl?"
The doctor nodded and smiled and said, "It's a giiiiiiirl."
(i have 2 words for paul...umbilical cord)
I remember so vividly turning to Paul with tears in my eyes and saying "A GIRL? Oh my gosh! I didn't know I wanted a girl!!"

And that was the beginning of this 7 year journey.
It was a rough go for us at first.
Surgeries and doctors appointments and eye education and patching and contacts.
Not what we had expected or hoped for.
But what we didn't know we needed.
Just like our Lani.
A new perspective.
A baby girl.

And here we are 7 years later.
She is amazing.
She is my "worrier".
She is very concerned with feelings and emotions.
She is so independent in social settings, but loves to snuggle with Paul and I every day.
And Sunday was the first day I had seen Lani with a group of little girls...enjoying herself.
It was so fun to see her interact with each of them individually and as a group.
And so sweet how she still was very concerned with each of them and their feelings.

I have been praying.
Praying so hard for her this year.
It's been a year of transition and she has adjusted beautifully.
And I have seen her growing into a complex girl with the biggest heart.
And gosh am I proud of her.
We are so different in so many ways and as she matures and changes I am finding we are much more alike in a lot of ways.
I'll continue to pray for her heart. For her connections with others, for her confidence and for her future.
She's so special and so unique.
I hope she feels from the core of her being how much we love and adore her today and always.

We love you Lani.
Happy happy birthday LuBug.