My Little Girl with the Golden Hair

She's 18 years old today.  A legal adult.  My first-born.  The miracle whose presence reminds me each day that God answers prayer.  I knew this day would come, but it's still a bit surreal.  Where did all the time go? 

She arrived on a snowy November evening after many hours of labor and a difficult delivery.  The most beautiful, perfectly formed being I had ever seen!  7lbs. 12oz. 20 3/4 inches long.

One last side view before leaving for the hospital

Newborn baby Hope with her Mama

Brand new Daddy enjoying some snuggle time





My dad getting acquainted with his first granddaughter at her first Thanksgiving- 9 days old & quite the charmer!

 And so the journey begins...

I quit my job to stay home with her full-time.  David was in his senior year of college and it wasn't the most opportune time to lose my income.  But we had made a committment to God and each other as to how we would raise our children, so we stepped out in faith. 

And she grew...

So stylish with her handsome Daddy

Our little family- Hope is 6 months old



Hanging out with Mommy

and grew...


Future's so bright they gotta wear shades!

Such a happy girl... everyone who met her would always comment on how happy she was!

Showing Daddy how to brush his teeth

and grew...


Such a little Mama

She could talk very well at a very young age.  When she was about 20 months old, she started asking for a baby sister.  Shortly before her second birthday we told her that a new baby was on the way, but we couldn't guarantee a sister.  She simply insisted that she would have a baby sister and we eventually gave up trying to tell her otherwise. 


At Daddy's school concert with expectant Mommy

She came to the ultrasound appointment with us and squealed with delight when the doctor announced that we would be having another girl.  She looked squarely into her Daddy's face and said," See, I told you."  Several weeks later her baby sister arrived.


Such a proud big sister!

Hope immediately embraced her role as big sister.  So caring, protective, and loving.  She absolutely adores Brianna and I'm so thankful that they are best friends.


Sweet sisters- Easter 1997

She started school and some how time began to speed up.  Soccer games, piano recitals, school projects, high honor roll, dance recitals, Kids Kamp, choir concerts, family vacations.



Building sand castles on a visit to the Oregon coast

Braces, band concerts, school dances, JuMP Co. shows, Driver's Ed., birthday parties.


Hope and her Grandpa celebrating their birthdays together.
Her favorite birthday buddy!

Debate tournaments, AP classes, National Honor Society, ACT scores, college campus visits, senior pictures.


My beautiful Hope

When Hope was about 3 years old, she crawled up on my lap one day and said, "Mama, did you ever think you would have a little girl with golden hair like me?"  I kinda chuckled because I couldn't imagine where the description "golden hair" had come from.  It wasn't anything we had ever said to her. 

I responded, "I didn't know I would have a little girl with golden hair like you, but I'm so glad you're mine."  Over the years, she would ask me that question again and again.  "Mama, did you ever think you would have a little girl with golden hair like me?"  Today I will answer her again.  "I didn't know I would have a little girl with golden hair like you, but I'm so glad you're mine." 

Welcome to adulthood, my darling Hope!