On Sunday, March 2, 2003, I gave birth to our first child, our daughter Pooh Bear (yes, that’s her nickname!)  For someone who had never wanted children until I became a Christian at the age of 29 this was a BIG change for me!  My husband had to teach me how to change a diaper as I never babysat growing up and for all intense purposes I was an only child.  (I do have 2 wonderful half brothers but I’m 15 and 20 years older then they are!) I never really got all gushy over babies and never understood what the fuss was all about.

But then, on March 8, 2000 I was baptized into Christ and He totally changed my heart around when it came to children!  So much so that we are expecting our 5th any day now!

Anyway, as we brought Pooh Bear home I was terrified!  I was completely clueless to taking care of a baby.  Now, we all know those women who just ooze motherly instinct.  You know the ones that have wanted babies their whole lives and just knew what to do.  No, they weren’t perfect but they just ‘got it’.  Well, I wasn’t and I’m still not one of those women!  For me, mothering has been quite the learning experience.  I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world but I’ve had to heavily rely on those oozing mothers around me to help me along the way.  I’m so grateful for those that poured into me, especially when we brought our first home.

Pooh Bear is such a blessing to our family!  She’s loves serving others, she is a wonderful big sister, she is helpful and she is full of contagious energy!  She loves visiting a care home we go to and sincerely loves up on the residents and always looks forward to the next time she gets to visit with them.  She’s doing great in 5th grade and works very hard at school.  She has been taking piano lessons for almost 2 years and plays quite well.  She helps her 2 younger sisters with their piano lessons and is an encouragement to them.

Happy Birthday Pooh Bear!  We love you and am so thankful God chose you to be part of our family!