Happy Birthday, Meredith! You are officially ten years old, and it doesn't quite seem possible that we've had you that long. However, my photo records prove that we've celebrated each and every birthday up to this point. It must be true. :)
Since we kind of go "all out" for 10th birthdays around here (I'll post about her party soon), I thought I would put together some photos to document Meredith's ten years.
#1: Day 1. Really practically minute one. What our anesthesiologist lacked in timeliness, he made up for in photography skills. Since she was a c-section baby, I have photos of her literally half in/half out. They are some of the neatest photos (as long as you're not grossed out by that kind of thing). This particular one was probably 5 minutes after she was born, but I just love how we're holding hands. Meredith is a complete cuddle bug, and I'm not surprised that we're touching already. :)
#2: Six months old. Such a fun age. So much personality. She was a very pleasant baby, and I'm certain I had no major complaints. By this point, her hair had finally calmed down a bit, and we were starting to drop the nickname, "Crazy Hair Mer."
#3: Age 2. This photo was taken on her 2nd birthday. I remember making cupcakes with little ducks or chicks on them for her. They were kind of last minute, and we ate them at my parents' house. It wasn't much of a celebration. :)
#4: Age 3. Three fingers in the mouth, elephant in the other hand, happy toddler. This is the point in life when we started fighting over socks. We would have 20 minute battles over wearing socks or not wearing socks. It was a huge deal for her for several years.
#5: Age 4. Not battling those socks anymore. Embracing sockless winters with the agreement that she didn't have to wear socks as long as she didn't complain if her feet were cold. We found fuzzy shoes and boots that helped as well. This was also the point in life when I wondered where my sweet little toddler had run off to. These were some very trying times in parenthood. Meredith was all over the board emotionally, and most of her wardrobe bothered her when she touched it or looked at it. Whites and stripes hurt her eyes. Pants were too tight. Shirts itched. Shoes were too tight. There was a lot of stomping, screaming, and crying. She fought a lot of things. This was a hard stage to navigate. But she also had this soft, sweet side which is captured so beautifully in this photo. I honestly didn't understand how two very different personalities could be possessed by one child.
#6: Age 5. Lots of prayers. Lots of patience. A few clothing items that she would wear over and over and over and over and over again. Taking into consideration that this child valued comfort above all and that she was ultra sensitive to touch and smell made life much more tolerable during these days. It was a learning process for all of us. Still wouldn't wear socks. This photo shows her painting, and she just loves all things artsy.
#7: Age 6. She's coming along. Still no socks. Still no white shirts. Still no jeans. Finding more pleasant days than unpleasant days during this time. That newest little sister of hers (Olivia) fully brought out her most admirable qualities, and they often comforted each other in their times of need. I snapped this photo to get an idea of lighting as I was prepping for Olivia's newborn photos. The lighting was beautiful, and I've always loved this image of her.
#8: Age 7. She's wearing socks with her tennis shoes...now this is progress! She's down to having an emotional outburst probably once a week which seems like such an enormous improvement from the three previous years. The Lord is kind. Her love and compassion for others is shining through everywhere, and that littlest sister of hers is one of her very favorite people in the entire world.
#9: Age 8. We've completely figured out the wardrobe. Black knit pants and nice soft shirts. We've come a long way. :)
#10: Age 9. Kind, compassionate, caring, and as sweet as sugar. Begs each and everyday for another little brother or sister to love...which doesn't surprise me at all. Wears jeggings, socks, and several different shirts. :) Major growth spurt on so many levels.
#11: Age 10. This photo was taken on Friday. We hosted her 10th birthday party. She played an actress in the drama for the evening which is why she looks especially grown up. I'd be tempted to say, "Slow down!" But she's only getting better with age.
Meredith,
You are sweet, spunky, compassionate, and creative. Art and babies are your two favorite things, and your heart is as big as your smile. You told me yesterday that you hope to buy an island house in the middle of a lake, get two dogs, and live there painting pictures. You are so encouraging and such a great teacher to the younger people around you. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you decide to be an elementary art teacher someday. What a blessing you are to our family. We love you more than you know.
On a side note, I've thought a lot about what I might have told myself had I known that good days were on the other side of those rough years. I don't know exactly what I would have told myself other than encouragement that is so obvious: This too shall pass.
It did. At the time, though, I think I was clinging to the most positive personality aspects of Meredith that I could see, and I prayed so often that those would shine through someday. I knew they were there, I just didn't know how to make them stay. When we made it through a day without conflict, I rejoiced. I found a lot of comfort in my friends. I found a lot of comfort in my prayers.
I found that the more I knew and understood the things that set her off, the better I could prepare her for the next task or event. She needed downtime, physical touch, and a lot of rest, not to mention she doesn't like to be surprised about what's coming next. It's been a learning process along the way and continues to be.
May I remember these things as we deal with all of the bumps, u-turns, potholes, and detours along this road ahead. And during the quieter and more pleasant days, I pray I remember to take lots of photos and to be especially thankful for the beautiful landscape that surrounds me.
