Three years ago today ...

We met this little girl for the first time.

It's amazing, isn't it, what can happen in three years. In her, and in all of us.

A few years ago, I couldn't imagine being in this situation. I didn't think it would work, or be good. But now I can't imagine being with any other two people... God can redeem anything.

So today, I packed Lizzy off to day care with cupcakes (chocolate with green, frosting, as requested), Cinderella cupcake toppers (and SpongeBob and Spider-Man for the boys), and birthday hats, napkins, plates, etc., for a little impromptu party there. (the cheap parents' way out.) I had so many things to remember! And I remembered them ALL. Except...
Her shoes. Lizzy has to borrow extras from the day care today -- thank goodness they have extras! -- because her mom forgot HER SHOES.

Thanks to everybody -- especially my parents, and Matt's parents (who blessedly don't read this blog), and Mike and Stacy -- for helping us get this far. We love you guys.
And thanks to Ms. Stacy, mommy-to-be, for the above photo, as well. Without her, we would have zero photographic record that the event happened. Not that I am likely to forget it. One might forget shoes, but never, never labor pains.)

And we survived the terrible twos! (victory dance) Our daughter will be a mature little angel from now on, right? Right, Mom? Right, Sonja? . ...

*crickets chirping*