6 years old

Well, I can't believe our first daughter is 6 years old.  It seems just like yesterday that we were waiting for your arrival. 

You entered this world as a dark haired  squishy baby.  When I first saw you and your dark hair, I thought finally a baby who looks like me.  By nine months, your hair lightened to a light brown with some blonde highlights looking more and more like your Daddy.  

Even though you don't look very much like me, we definitely share a lot of the same characteristics.   I love how you are cautious in unfamiliar settings, but once you get familiar with your surroundings you live and love passionately! There have been times in my life where I wasn't comfortable with who I am...wishing I was a little more outgoing...wishing it wasn't so hard for me when I am in new situations.  But because of you, God has shown me that it is OK to be cautious in unfamiliar settings.  It is OK for me to sit back and observe what is going on.  And at the same time, He has challenged me to put myself out there, so I can model for you to handle uncomfortable situations.  God is definitely using you in my life to grow me in areas that are hard for me.   I have enjoyed watching you grow in school...doing addition and subtraction, writing short stories, and getting more detailed with your drawings. It makes me so excited to see how much you love school and love to learn.  I am so thankful that we get to go on this journey together.  I love watching you run...watching the wind blow your hair with no worries in the world.  You have such a carefree spirit.  We see this mostly in the way you dress.  I have enjoyed playing soccer in the backyard...seeing you have a confidence...a confidence that doesn't show up in unfamiliar settings...as you run around keeping the ball from me. I am proud of you for wanting to try something new.  I pray that in a few days as you experience your first practice, you will have that same carefree spirit and confidence that you have in the safety of our backyard.   But if you don't, know that I will be right there cheering you on, walking with you and completely understanding your cautiousness because chances are I will be feeling the same thing!

These are just a few things I love about you, Sophie Sugai!  I thank God everyday for you and what He is teaching me as I parent you.  I hope you will always know how much we love you and how honored we are to be your parents.

Here are a few pictures from our photo shoot...such a pretty girl...inside and out!