I’m not going to lie. The day my husband and I found out we were having a daughter was one of the happiest days of our lives.
After giving birth to two boys, three years apart, the news of bringing a daughter into our family was a dream come true. And, that dream came true on February 15, 1991.
Shelby entered our world weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces, and she changed the face of the Denton clan.
Move over baseball bats, gloves, sneakers, ninja turtles, skateboards, and baseball trading cards.
Make room for Barbie, Bitty Baby, pink bikes with streamers on the handlebars, hair bows, and dress-up clothes.
The color PINK entered our world. Please don’t misunderstand me; I love my boys Brandon and Drew, but what mom doesn’t want to play dress up with a precious little girl? And what dad doesn’t want to have that special daddy-daughter relationship?
Through the 22 years of Shelby’s life, she has taught me so much, but there are a few things that stand out more than others:
- You can never have too many purses. Shelby’s love of purses honestly started at about the age of two. She loved to transfer her treasures from one bag to the other and back again. Even today, the one consistent item on every birthday and Christmas list is a new purse. We have purses in the attic and in two laundry baskets in her closet. That doesn’t count the ones she has in her apartment at college.
- Drama between girlfriends is double that of boys. Never invite two girlfriends over to play or spend the night. It’s a known fact that two girls will pair up and leave the third girl out, and someone ends up crying and wanting to go home.
- The first day of school is the most important day of the year. You “must” have a new outfit, new shoes, new notebook and a new backpack. Even though it’s usually only ½ a day, you have to look cute for those three hours. This never changes from kindergarten to the all important senior year.
- Their “toys” get more expensive. Bicycles, baby dolls, coloring books, and baby strollers don’t hold a candle to cell phones, designer purses, personalized license plates, and blue jeans.
- Never underestimate their ability to wrap their daddy around their little fingers. Enough said?
Even though my cute little girl is now a beautiful young woman, she still looks to us for reassurance, guidance, and love. I hope the next 22 years bring as much joy as the last 22 years have.
On the topic of parenthood, would you mind if I tell you a little bit about something we have happening this weekend?
This weekend in Frisco, Texas (right outside of Dallas), Lifeway is hosting an event called dotMOM for moms of any stage in life. Priscilla Shirer, Vicki Courtney, and Angie Smith will all be there, and there are dozens and dozens of breakout sessions on everything ranging from raising a teen to infertility. It promises to be an incredible time of learning, worship, encouragement, and refreshment. You won’t want to miss it, so make plans today to be there!
How about a roll call? Who’s going to be there?
