Martha is FOUR!

Happy Birthday to my lovely and most beautiful oldest daughter. I really can't believe how time has flown by. As they say... it seems only yesterday that she was a baby in my arms. And now she is a child. (Although she will always be my baby). I am constantly amazed by Martha. She is so full of life and adventure. She is far braver than me. (She gets the recklessness from her uncle!) She is incredibly musical and sings all the time. It is a bit like living in an opera. She loves the outdoors and growing things. She loves cooking and helping me. She loves her little sister. She loves Jesus. Of course she gets things wrong and is fantastically silly at time. But aren't we all. But she is learning how to pick herself up and move onwards and upwards. I don't know where I would be without her. Someone asked me how I will cope with 3 small children and I just replied that I have a Martha. I couldn't ask for a better or more willing (most of the time) helper.

My prayer as the years roll by is that she stays her. That she is true to herself. I would hate her to lose her passion and enthusiasm for life. I pray that she follows where God takes her, because if she does her life will be the most amazing adventure. And I pray that I have the courage to let her go and be all that she can be. In the mean time I am glad I have my little girl who still loves me best (well, I am in the top 5!). I know these years are short and I intend to relish them.

For those that don't know Martha was born at about 3pm weighing 7lbs 8oz. It was a very hot sunny day. God had told me that I was having a girl. Sometimes I'm not sure if God has really said something but this I KNEW. When Nick (who was paying attention) said: It's a girl! I replied: Of course she is! And she was quite simply the most amazing thing that I have ever done. And the best bit is that with each baby the amazement doesn't go away, the love just keeps stretching and growing. And what love it is.

Thank you Martha for coming into our family when we least expected. You are a gift from God. I love you so much and hope you have a very happy birthday.