My Princess

Happy 5th Birthday Juliana!

You hold such a special place in my heart. God told me I was going to have a girl as my first born when I was still in high school, even before I knew your mom. I had to wait many years before I finally met you, but you finally arrived on June 29th 2005. I was overcome with emotion when I held you for the first time, my daughter, my Juliana, my princess.

You have had to endure lots of travel in your lifetime so far. From NY to Seattle, Seattle to NY, NY to Kentucky and then back to NY. You have been a great traveler from when you were a few months old until now. I would take you anywhere. Making the 5-6hr flights from Seattle to NY were not easy, nor were the car rides from NY to Kentucky, but you always did it with grace. Which happens to be your middle name, Grace. As the years have gone by this word has come to exemplify you in your speech, your dancing, your artisitc ability, and of course your beauty.

Often times when you come up to ask me a question, I can't focus on what you are saying because I am awestruck by your beauty. I have to pinch myself and ask you to repeat yourself. You're just turning 5 and you are beautiful way beyond your years.

I wish I could be there to celebrate your special day with you. But remember the good times we have had together: going to Mariners' baseball games, trips to the zoo, sleeping outside in the tent, swimming in Grandpa's pool, adventures in the woods, tea parties, Barbie movie marathons, and late night stories with snuggles and prayer before bed.

You mean the world to me Juliana, may you have a wonderful birthday and know that your Daddy loves you very, very much.