Abby is five today.  Five years ago we were in the hospital and Jessica was in intense labor (at the time of this writing, according to my computer she’ll be five in a few more hours).  I can’t believe how much has changed in our lives since Abby was born, but much of that change is in direct relation to our having had Abigail.  I remember doing a lot of crying when Abby was born.  They were tears of joy and I’m sure they mixed with snot as I whimpered, wept and rejoiced over the new life I was seeing in front of me instead of her wiggling in Jessica’s stomach.

Abby can walk, talk, chew gum, read, imagine and laugh.  My mother has often told me that my smile is something she remembers most about me growing up and I can certainly say that Abby’s smile is what lingers in my memories as well.   Abby’s laughter and calling me silly, or asking me to tickle her, is something that I will cherish and recall when I hand her off some day to a husband who will hopefully find her to be one tenth as beautiful as I think she is.

Abby is smarter than I think any other children her age are.  I’m probably rather biased.  I’m rather biased about my daughters and wife, but I think that’s acceptable. [editors note: I’m crying now so I’ll stop.  What a pansy guy I am ;)]

Happy Birthday, Abigail Ruth!  Your mother and I love you very, very much!  I hope five is more wonderful than four.