The Kuehns: Now...it's Mady's turn

I've been so busy trying to keep our adoption blog updated that I realized I've not posted in this one since Trip's birthday. And, now it's time to do Mady's birthday post. How crazy! Pretty soon I am going to revert back to this blog only and stop posting to the adoption blog as the adoption is completed!

So, my baby has turned 6! I am still in shock over that number. It still feels like she is 2 to me, except for the fact that without her I would probably never make it out the door with everything we all need for the day. Mady is going to make a great wife and mother. She constantly amazes me with her natural gifts and abilities. Not only does she help me remember what everyone needs each day, i.e., lunches, backpacks, snacks, homework, shoes, etc... She also makes sure the boys remember to brush their teeth, make their beds, put on underwear...you get the point. Good thing our boys have 2 mothers. :-) But, what amazes me the most is how she can sometimes understand Eli better than me. And, she is such a natural nurturer to him, always making sure he is included and helping him understand how to play with certain toys and teaching him about our language and culture. I know this has been a hard transition for her in many ways, but God picked her out to be Eli's big sister because He knew she would be the best! I am so proud of what a loving big (and little) sister she is. She is also such a sweet and loyal friend. She stands by her friends, looks out for them, protects them and wants them to be happy. She reaches out to others when they are left out or shrinking back. From the day she was born, Mady knew how to work a room. She can figure out who is going to give in to her the easiest in a matter of seconds and cuddle on up to them working her charms to get what she wants. But, she also uses this gift to find the person that is most in need of a smile or hug or laugh and she will find them too and make them feel special. Even though her organizational skills can sometimes lead her to be a little bossy, our Mady has the biggest heart and I can't wait to see how God will use her and that awesome heart in her future! We are beyond blessed that God chose us to be her parents. I just hope I have the stamina to keep up with her for a lifetime! She challenges me daily to be a better person and to walk the walk not just talk the talk. She loves Jesus and thinks everyone else should too and she has no fear in sharing that. She is confident and sassy, but also kind and caring. She is the perfect daughter! Happy 6th Birthday, Mady Moo!!

Here are some pictures from her many celebrations: