How could I not fall in love with this kid?

As I was going through my dad's photos the other day, I ran across this one of Carly. It was made just a few months after she came to live with us. Those big blue eyes just sucked you in and her personality made you sit and listen to her -- even if she didn't make a lick of sense.

She's grown a lot since then and today she turns 10 years old. Carly is my child who loves to read. She loves American Girl books, Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. She and I, along with her friend, Camilia, are going to go see a musical version of Little Women for her present.

Carly loves to bake and cook. Right now she says she wants to be a chef when she grows up. Or an actress. Which, when I reflect over the difference in these pictures in just a few years, makes me realize that won't be long at all.

Happy birthday, Carly. Momma loves you.