Samantha Scott arrived and I became a mother.

That baby is now a girl.
So in honor of Sam's 10th birthday,
I present the Top 10 Reasons why Sam is so spectacular!
10. Eclectic taste in music: Sam listens to music and jumps on her mini trampoline everyday. You'll here The Sound of Music, Celtic Thunder, Justin Beiber, Joshua Bell, Michael Jackson, Elvis, The Nutcracker, Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga playing at any given time.
9. Very sentimental: If you've given her a gift, of any size or value, she'll remember it, display it, and save it... forever. Sometimes that's not always possible and a source of stress, but we work through it:)
8. Generous: She gives away her allowance to homeless people. She likes to say, "God Bless You" when she hands them the money.
7. Thoughtful: She starts making Christmas gifts the day after Thanksgiving. She won't leave anyone out.
6. Dedicated: She's in her third year of violin. Sometimes she doesn't feel like practicing and we've asked her if she's tired of it. She'll respond, "I'll NEVER stop playing the violin!"
5. She takes risks: She's not a risk-taker by nature, but she'll go for it in her own time. Jumping off a diving board, ropes course, recital, public speaking, etc. She makes us proud.
4. She loves to be alone with us: Sam gets down right giddy when Piper and Eli are out of the house at the same time. She often wishes she could be an only child even though she loves her siblings. These times feed her soul.
3. Honest: Sam told a white lie about 3 years ago and it still plagues her. When there is trouble in the neighborhood we go to her; the "informant", because we know we'll get the truth.
2. She is her father's daughter: Sometimes I get cocky and think that I know what's best because I'm the mom. I'm often wrong. She is very similar to Eric~ slow decision maker, methodical, attention to detail, anxious and highly capable. He is her anchor.
1. She lives and loves deeply. Sam takes her life, and everything in it, very seriously. Sometimes it's too much and we get concerned, but mostly we find it endearing. She has a bright future ahead of her.

We're madly in love with her.