Pretty In Pink!!!

~When Mike and I found out we were having a baby girl over eight years ago, our friends just laughed. They all knew we were planning for a team of five boys to begin training our own basketball team. People weren't sure how a daughter was going to fit in that man-to-man defense of ours. Even more concerned were Colleen's girlfriends who just knew that baby girl would grow up wearing Chicago Bull's jerseys and Nike gym shoes. So, those who loved us and loved our baby girl came up with a plan of their own. Colleen was thrown an "It's a Girl Baby Shower" with pink balloons, pink ribbons, pink icing on the cake and lots and lots of pink baby clothes. Meg (as we already called her) was going to dress like a little girl if anyone else had anything to say.

~It was eight years ago today when I laid eyes on that beautiful baby girl for the first time. When Megan Margaret was placed in my arms for the very first time, the sight of her rose colored skin and dark eyes filled my heart completely. I starred at her petite fingers and toes and became in awe over my daughter. "You are so beautiful Megan. Mommy can dress you in pink!" The nurse laughed when I said that out loud and agreed that all girls need to be dressed in pink. She had no idea what Mike and I had originally planned for Team Monfils. It was at that moment however, I had forgotten all about that team of five boys and fell deeply in love with my baby girl. God had given me the most wonderful gift in the world, my darling daughter!

~When our baby girl turned 5, we signed her up for Bitty Basketball. We knew we may not have had a line-up of 5 boys, but a co-ed team would be okay, too. Meg was so excited to learn to play the game with her Mommy coaching on the court. Our sweet princess decked out in pink shorts and pink tank top, tapped off with a pink ribbon in her hair and pink Nike shoes, was as proud as could be ready to learn the game. (I still could buy Nike, I just had to make sure it matched the outfit and nail polish!) No sooner had Megan picked up a ball did she stub a finger ~~~ ending her basketball career.

~To this day Megan hates basketball because it's too rough. She dislikes soccer because she gets too sweaty, and softball makes her too dusty. She has, however, taken a liking to dance and cheer leading and loves riding horses. Our family plan may have fouled-out eight years ago, however, eight years ago today was one of the happiest days of our lives when we won the biggest game of our lives. Megan was born and looked so Pretty In Pink (even in her pink AZ Diamondback's baseball hat!) :-)

~Megan, Sweetheart! We love you more than you could ever know. We are so proud of you and all you do! You complete our family with your loving smiles, teasing ways and warm giggles. Your passion for art and love for animals shows your ability to love with all your heart. Wanting to volunteer at the animal shelter shows us your compassion and eagerness to make things better. It makes us smile because you always care about what you wear and make sure your hair goes with the clothes. Your self pride also shows in your school work and devotion to completing Brownie Scout merits. You make us so happy and we love you for that, too. No matter what you do or who you become, you will always be our little girl. God gave us the most wonderful gift when he gave us you, Meg! You are a true blessing and we love you! Happy 8th Birthday, Megan Margaret!

Hugs and kisses,
Mom and Dad