Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Dear Payton ...

Exactly three years ago I laid in a hospital bed anticipating your birth ... the birth of my baby girl. My life would be perfect ... I'd finally have the son and daughter that I had always wanted. After you were born, however, you threw us for a loop. The doctors told us, "We're very sorry, but we believe your daughter has Down syndrome." I might not have known it at that moment, but being your mommy has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. You have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome does not have you. That extra little chromosome could never change the way I feel about you ... in fact, it has brought a new meaning to the word love.

You have grown so much over the past three years. I know that everything you have learned has been a challenge, but that makes the end result that much sweeter. Not many people can understand why we get so excited at the littlest achievements ... your determination is amazing and it makes us so proud. Your passion for life is addictive and you have done nothing but make me a better person.

You have developed into quite the little social butterfly. You are such a little mommy at heart, yet the tomboy in you loves to play trucks with your brother. You are a die hard music fan and I could watch you shake your little booty all day long. You make me smile constantly ... I wish I knew what was going on in that little head of yours ... you are so smart and you understand so much.

I have so many memories stored deep in my heart and I have cherished every moment that we have spent together. Keep your passion alive because I know God has great plans for you.

I love you baby girl ... Mommy

*************

We celebrated Payton's birthday today with close family. I made dinner and we were joined by Grandma B, Auntie Kristie and Uncle Casey and Auntie Shay, Uncle Jeremy and Cousin Jaxson. We just had a small little party and we will have a big party toward the end of the month with Mason, since he turns five next week.

Get ready ... set ...

Blow!!

"Yay me!"Time for presents! Here she is opening a ballerina doll from Grandma B ...

She is so serious! LOL. Here she is opening a parachute thing from Auntie Kristie and Uncle Casey ...

Opening a gift delivered from Grandpa and Grandma B {thank you!} ...

Opening baby doll clothes from Auntie Shay, Uncle Jeremy and Cousin Jaxson ...

Intently opening more presents ... and shooing her brother off in between ...

And last but not least, a new stroller from Mommy, Daddy, Mason and Nika ... let's see how long Mason can go without breaking this one!

Thank you so much for the gifts ... Payton had a great time playing with them before bed. Once again, Happy Birthday sweet girl ... we love you to pieces!