My Daughter, My Joy

" A Tribute To Daughters "

Every home should have a daughter,
for there's nothing like a girl,
To keep the world around her
In one continuous whirl!

She is soft and sweet and cuddly,
but she's also wise and smart,
She's a wonderous combination
of a mind and brain and heart.

And even in her baby days
She's just a born coquette,
And anything she really wants
She manages to get.

For even at a tender age
She uses all her wiles,
And she can melt the hardest heart
with the sunshine in her smiles.

She starts out as a rosebud
with her beauty unrevealed,
Through a happy childhood
her petals are unsealed...

She's soon a sweet girl graduate,
and then a blushing bride,
And then a lovely woman,
as the rosebud opens wide...

And some day in her future,
if it be God's gracious will,
She too will be a mother
and know that reverent thrill.

That comes to every mother
whose heart is filled with love.
When she beholds the"angel"
that God sent her from above.

And there would be no life at all
in this world or the other
Without a darling daughter
who in turn, becomes a Mother!

Author - Helen Steiner Rice

Once upon a time, Heavenly Father sent one of his most choice spirits to us. A sweet angel for our home. Every day since, we've felt so grateful to have Jessica as our only daughter. We couldn't have done better if we chose her ourselves! My day becomes wonderful when I see her pretty face, smiling sweetly at me. She is my angel, and a most kind-hearted, thoughtful, caring person who radiates warmth and sunshine each day. Every day she also grows smarter and more beautiful. And every day I am more proud to be her mother. As she goes through the many stages of life, there will be times when she feels scared and confused, but her strength and values will help her in her experiences. And I am, and always will be, here for her each and every day. Jessica, you are my heart! My miracle! No matter how old you get, you will always be my angel. I love you! Happy 10th birthday!

JESSICA THROUGH THE YEARS ---

Meeting her big brother in the hospital -- June 1998

Newborn baby Jessica -- June 1998

3 months old -- September 1998

First Birthday -- June 1999

1 year old -- August 1999

18-months-old -- January 2000

2 years old -- June 2000
(just after moving to Michigan)

2 years old - October 2000

2 1/2 years old -- December 2000

3 years old - June 2001

3 years old -- September 2001 (holding baby Alex)

3 1/2 years old -- April 2002

4 years old -- December 2002

5 years old -- October 2003 (with baby Logan)

6 years old -- September 2004

6 years old (First lost tooth) -- November 2004

7 years old -- October 2005

7 1/2 years old -- May 2006

8 years old -- January 2007

9 years old -- October 2007