The Kuehns: 4 parties + 1 birthday girl=how we do a 5th birthday!

That's right, Mady had 4 birthday celebrations. I mean, come on, you only turn 5 once, so why not do it up big!? Big girl, so big parties! But, in all seriousness, I REALLY cannot believe she is 5! As a parent of young children, people always tell you to treasure the terrible days with them because one day you will miss these days and time goes by so quickly and so on, blah, blah, blah... Most of the time, I do not like those people! I mean how do you enjoy the temper tantrums and enjoy "these days" when all you want to do is sleep?! Of course, you miss them when they are gone, because by some magical way, your memory is wiped of all the bad times and all you remember is how precious they look when they sleep! However, I do agree that time goes by quickly and before you know it, your sweet baby girl is 5 and heading to kindergarten in the Fall! So, let me take a moment to reflect on the amazing girl that is our Mady Moo! Before she was even born, we knew that Mady would be a mover, that she had a mind of her own and that she would be very independent and all of those things are certainly true of her! The other wonderful things I love about Mady are how kind and empathetic she can be. She loves to be a friend and is not afraid to befriend the outcast. She does not see color or race or special needs, she sees people and she loves people! She can work a room like nothing I've ever seen. She will find the one person in the room that will do whatever she wants and seduce them with her precious sweetness. And, then pass that admiration around the room faster than you can blink and before you know it everyone LOVES her! It is really quite a site to see. She adores her big brother, Trip and even though sometimes he tries his best to make her hate him, her devotion to him does not waiver. Even as a baby, Mady wanted to do it herself and she still does. Whether it is buckling her seat belt, opening her own car door, making her own bed, figuring out how a toy works, she wants to do it on her own and if you try to help, you better know she is going to tell you how to do it the right way, aka, Mady's way! I know this stubborn determination will serve her well throughout her life! She is so strong and confident, but without the pride and snobbish ways that can come with that. She has a deep understanding of Jesus and his love for her and she is not afraid to share it with others. I pray daily that God will continue to pour His love into her heart, so that she never feels alone and never loses her self confidence. Mady has made us better parents and better people! She challenges us and brings us such joy and laughter. We are so blessed to be chosen as her parents! We love you, sweet Mady Moo!!