Dear Mia,

Before I tell you how wonderful the past six years have been I must say that this is quite possibly the most awkward obligatory birthday picture ever.  

 Now let's move on, shall we?

Six years ago today (and by today I mean Friday when it was actually your birthday) two very important things happened:

 First of all, Martha Stewart was sent to the Big House and the world breathed a sigh of relief to get another dangerous criminal off the streets.

 And second of all, you came into our lives and changed us forever.  

 Because of you, I have more compassion,

 more patience, 

 more love,

 and a better understanding, albeit still inadequate, of the enormous sacrifice that God made when he willingly allowed his one and only Son to die on the cross.

  You have changed me for the bettter, sweet girl.

I can never go back to the way I used to be.

  And I wouldn't want to, even for all the money and naps and uninterrupted conversation in the world.

Thank you for making me a Mother.  

I know no greater joy.