8 Going on 18

Molly's birthday was a week ago. She turned 8. I am beyond amazed that she is that old. Some days, I am easily reminded of how innocent she still is. On other days, she asks questions I am not ready to acknowledge she is even thinking about. She is thoughtful, smart, curious, creative and gentle. She knows what she likes, and isn't afraid to tell you what she doesn't. I see manifestations of the growing-up in her mind--she loves to play with barbies and watch Scooby Doo, but she also wants to wear lip gloss and talk on the phone. She wonders why she cannot shave her legs, but also wants to cuddle up with Mommy and Daddy under the blanket to watch cartoons. This year, she accepted Christ as her Savior, made a public profession of faith, and was baptized. I see this commitment in how she treats others and prays out loud with poise and confidence.

Her actual birth was at once perfect--because she was--and imperfect. It has taken some serious processing for me to accept how my labor transpired and to find peace with the eventual c-section. For a midwife, this is no easy task! But the bottom line is that Molly Abigail Marsh was born in perfect health at 4:50 p.m. on November 30, 2001, and my life truly started at that moment.