Celebrating for the 23rd time!!!

Today is my daughter’s birthday. She’s turning 23 and I’m not sure where all the time went. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that long ago that Debbie and I went to the hospital for her birth… but, birthdays don’t lie. Still, I’m not quite sure how it’s possible.

I’m not sad about the time that’s passed as if has gotten away from us in a bad way. It hasn’t in the least. I have no regrets. I have been present not just in her life, but in the details of her life for all of her life. I love her with all my heart and she loves me, too. I’m really not sad at all, just reflective.

Why am I so reflective?

23 years ago we named her Nicole and gave her our family name. This will be her last birthday with our family name.

In June she will marry the man of her dreams. However, long before Jordan became the man of her dreams he was the man of our prayers. For 23 years we have been praying for her mate, believing God for a man that will love and care for her as Christ loves the church. Believing for a man who will make her laugh. A man she can believe in. The man for her.

She found him.

We couldn’t be more thrilled. We are thankful beyond words.

Today, we’re celebrating Nicole’s birthday with a bridal photo shoot. A perfect transition!

March 13^th will always be “Nicole Day” in our home, as it has been for the last 23 years. Next March 13^th will still be “Nicole Day.” We will still be her parents. She will still be our girl. The only thing changing is her family name. While this is our last time to celebrate Nicole Allen Day, next year will be our first year to celebrate Nicole Covarelli Day.

Same girl.

Same birthday.

Different name.

Help us celebrate this year’s “Nicole Day” by following her amazing blog, Healthy Isn’t Hard. Maybe she’ll help you as much as she helps us to stay healthy. She’s well worth following and well worth celebrating!

I love you Nicole Allen. Happy 23^rd birthday!