Five on Friday: My Most Memoriable Moments from 2013

I'm linking up with Darci, Ashley and many others for this week's Five on Friday.

This year has consisted of many challenges and double the blessings. I'd like to take this time to share my top five most memorable moments of 2013.

[one]

Our number one blessing and most memorable event of 2013 would most certainly have to be the birth of our beautiful daughter. In April, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and 19.5 inches long, our miracle baby was born healthy and strong. We could not have asked for anything more perfect.

Minutes after birth

A couple hours after delivery

[two]

Another wonderful moment for our family was the March wedding of my brother-in-law. I gained a wonderful sister-in-law who not only became family, but a wonderful friend.

[three]

I most certainly have to mention the God-ordained adoption of little Zac. Our friends adopted this precious little guy from China in October. So many prayers went into the anticipation of him coming to his forever home. He is a blessing to his parents and his family remains a blessing to us. (I post this with a saddened heart...this wonderful family is moving across country. We'll miss them terribly but know they will do great things.)

[four]

December has held a lot of wonderful things. Two spectacular things come to mind. The first would have to be the birth of another long awaited miracle. Cadence was born to our close friends on Christmas day. This child has been prayed for and long anticipated. God has filled their home with such joy in a way that many thought would never be possible. God's ways are perfect.

[five]

The second thing, and final thing I'll mention from 2013, is that of our daughter's first Christmas. At 8 months old she was in awe of the lights, bounced to the Christmas music, heard the Christmas story of Christ's birth for the first time, and gave her best try at opening gifts. It was such a wonderful time!

I look back at this year and I think of all the firsts we'll never get back. There are many things I'd like to do over, things I'd say and not say, and things I'd do or not do. While I can't go back, I look forward to moving on. 2014 holds so much promise! May God bless you and your families in this upcoming year.