I recall a dissapointing Doctor's appointment back in 2004 where I was sent home with dismal test results, pamphlets full of abbreviations, medical jargon and depressing statistics. The next day I dried my tears and bought myself  a "candy white" convertible. Daddy and I booked a trip to Mexico and started talking about Europe. I ate oysters and sushi and sipped bourbon and vodka tonics on the weekends. I started planning a huge 30th birthday bash. I did anything I could to push the thought of not having a "you" to the back of my mind. Then one Thursday evening I paced the floor with that pink box in my hand waiting for Daddy to walk through the door so I could "just get it over with". I had performed this drill so many times before I really didin't see the point in wasting another twelve bucks but Daddy was adiment that I take one, and you know how Daddy is *sigh*.  "What if" he'd say "but what if"....

 The the two little lines that had eluded us so many times before stared back at us bright as day. Was this some kind of cruel joke? A malfunction? Did this happen because I bought the store brand over the fancy name brand test?? Dang it! Of all the pay periods in the year why did I suddenly decide to stick to a budget at Target that week?? Shock and disbelief casused me to utter something that wasn't very ladylike while your sweet, calm Daddy took my hand and prayed for us....for "US"! There was going to be an US! We traded the "candy white" convertible for a little white wagon, canceled that trip to Mexico and filed Europe away in the "someday" file.

I celebrated my 30th birthday with friends, family, "mocktails" and new maternity clothes. I started having cute little dresses and bloomers monogrammed. We named you in memory of my Daddy, your Grandpa Kenneth "Ken" "Kenny" Kline.  Today we are celebrating your 10th birthday! When I say "we" I mean me and Daddy and Nate, your Kit Kat and Pop and Great Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and cousins. All your friends and family on Earth and I know your Grandpa Ken is up there with his Momma and his Granny and Grandpa and your Paw Paw and I can just hear him showing you off. "Man would y'all look at her. I mean boy, she is a pretty one isn't she? And smart too! Y'all know Kandy named her after me right"?

Kenley Elaine I have never laughed as much or shed as many tears as I have this last decade; the happiest ten years of my life. You make us so proud with the way you care about others, the hard work and dedication you put into everything you do (well except for maybe cleaning your room). Your unwavering faith. Even when you sneak in some of that "tween sass" you are quick to apologize "I don't know why I'm behaving this way Mama I think it has something to do with my development"! :)

I thank God for "you" and for "us" every single day.