This is a favorite photo of my little Bubbles.  At 4 years old, she is one of the unexpected blessings of my life.  After we had our older daughter and son, I honestly thought I was done with having babies.  I had the "perfect" family.

Then I got pregnant.  When my youngest was 5, and I had just given away all the baby gear.  When we were living in a foreign country on severly limited finances and almost no support system.  And I got depressed.  It's so hard for me to admit it now, but I did not want that baby, and as a Christian who does not believe abortion is an option, I felt trapped.

Over time and a deep work of God in my heart, I came not only to accept this new life, but to look forward to it with anticipation.  By the time she was born, she was truly wanted and loved and cherished.  And, yes, God provided everything we needed for her, from a crib to a stroller, and everything in between.

I am so glad God gave me this little surprise blessing!  She is such a joy and delight.  Everyone loves her bubbly personality, her funny misuse and/or mispronouncing of big words, and her delightful playful spirit.  My two older children enjoy her, and I rarely see any sibling rivalry rear its ugly head.

She attends our church kindergarten, and her teacher regularly tells me what a joy she is to have in the class.  I look forward to her arrival home from school, when she gets to the door, and calls out, "Mom, I'm home!"  (She just couldn't stand it if we didn't realize that she was back!)  I love asking her about her day, and listening as she chats about all the goings-on in her nursery classroom, and among her circle of friends.

From watching Sesame Street to dancing around the living room in her latest dress-up costume creation.  From cuddling up next to me with a big bowl of popcorn for a video to dog-paddling alongside me in her lifevest at the local pool.  From begging for a puppy to crying with fear when a dog barked at her.  With all her giggles, tears, and contradictions, she is a precious gift.  I can't imagine our family or my life without her.

Thank You, God, for unexpected, and undeserved  blessings!

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