YOU ARE 16 G0ING ON 17...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!

My beautiful little baby girl is turning seventeen today. Megan has been such a joy in my life. She is my baby and will always be my baby, no matter what age. She was welcomed into our home when Melissa was 6 years old and Sean was twenty two months old. Melissa wanted a sister!! Sean was too young to comprehend that a new baby would be joining our family. He was more then happy to give up his spot as the baby and fell right into being the big brother. Even though he was in a car seat too, he would reach over and hold her hand while we drove down the street. I was so happy the night she was born and was so filled with such a sense of joy and relief. She was my biggest baby weighing in at 7lbs 13 oz and 21 inches. Just before she was born, the nurse asked me if we had a name for our new baby. When I told her that he name was Megan, the nurse kept talking to Megan say things like "come on Megan, you can do it". Just minutes after she was born, I remember Dr. Bryner commenting on what a beautiful baby she was. She was a very easy baby for me. I can remember calling the pediatrician because she was sleeping so much. He told me to just count myself lucky!!

Melissa loved having a new doll. I have always loved this picture of the two of them. You can see the love that Melissa has always had for Megan. She always loved to wrap her up like she was one of her own dolls and play house. When Megan was still very young, they shared a room together. Melissa watched out for her, and still does.

Megan was a big mommy's girl. She only took one bottle in her life...for Tim. We tried many times, but she would have nothing to do with it, and acted very insulted that we would try. She would rather starve!! Tim was very patient, but needless to say, Megan and I were always together. She was very easy for me, but probably hard for others because of the bottle issue. I could take her any where with me and count on her being good. I always loved having her with me...and I still do. I don't really have to "parent" Megan. She does just great "parenting" herself. I never have to remind her to do homework, or work hard in school etc... She wants to do well for herself. She pushes herself and works hard. She chooses to take challenging classes and has great balance in her life between church, school, friends, tv, computer, boys the phone etc... She was the youngest girl in our ward to recieve her YW recognition award. It was because SHE wanted it.

We moved to our "new home" when Megan was four years old. She quickly made friend with Aubree & Heidi. They have been close friends ever since. She was usually the peacemaking between the friends. I have always said that "Megan doesn't have a mean bone on her body." She has so many friends and many people that seek to be her friend. She is a very kind person. She looks for good in others in her own quiet way.

She talks kindly of others and sees the best in people. She gives people the benefit of the doubt.

It was great to have Sean and Megan in High School together. They have always been good friends. When Sean went off to school, he told me that he was really sad that he wouldn't be around to watch out and protect Megan. They really enjoy being around each other and have a lot of fun together.

I don't look forward to saying goodbye to Sean at the MTC. I will not only miss him, but I will feel Megan's pain too. Both Sean and Melissa had called Megan by 7:15 a.m. this morning. It is so great as a mother to experience your children being so thoughtful of each other.

I am so glad that my girls have a sister. I have always loved having sisters, so I am so glad for them. They have always really adored each other.

When we were saying our family prayer this morning, Tim gave thanks for having the honor and privledge to have Megan as a daughter. I feel the exact same way. It has been a delight!! We all love you Megan and we are so grateful you are in our family!!