Today, our little Ashby London turns three years old!
I’m not going to lie, this birthday is a little emotional for me. You know…with adoption (and parenting in general), you just don’t know what will affect you and what won’t. You assume some things will be emotional and they’re not…and then you get surprised by what does make you emotional. This first birthday with Ashby has surprised me…it kind of breaks my heart in ways I never dreamed.
We don’t know that today is Ashby’s third birthday. In all reality…it’s probably not. I did not think going into this that this little fact would bother me…but you know what…it does. It bothers me for her. Listen, she may grow up and not care one little bit…but she may grow up and care a lot.
Ashby was found in a box in front of a hospital on June 19, 2012. When she was brought inside the hospital, the doctors estimated that she was about 10 days old…so that’s how her birthday became June 9. All week, in my heart, I’ve been thinking “maybe today’s her birthday”…and I’m pretty sure until June 19, I’ll be thinking the same thing. I know it’s silly and trivial in the big scheme of life…but this mama heart wants her daughter to have as much of a picture of her birth as her other kids do. We will never know how much Ashby weighed when she was born. We will never know if she was born in a hospital or at home. We will never know if they knew they couldn’t keep her before they had her or if they decided they didn’t want to keep her until after she was born. We will never know.
Here’s what we do know. We know that her birth mama loved her so much that she carried Ashby to term. We know that her birth mama loved her so much that she didn’t discard her. We know that her birth mama loved her so much that she didn’t abandon her the day she was born…but instead, she kept her for several days (maybe 10) and fed her, held her, and most likely loved on her. We know that her birth mama placed her somewhere where she would be found quickly and by medical professionals. And in my heart of hearts, I believe that her birth mama wanted to keep her but because of where they live and how strict the child laws are, was unable to. I also know this…Ashby was never alone in that box…the same God that loves me and takes care of me here was with her that day too. He knew that one day the baby in the box would have a family that loves her more than words can describe.
So on this day, June 9, we will celebrate this precious little girl.
We’ve already taught her that she’s three now and she can say it with a big grin while holding up three little fingers. When you ask her though if she’s a big girl now or a baby…she still says, “mama’s baby”. Yeah. I’m pretty sure that when she has her 30th birthday, she’ll still be mama’s baby.
We love you Ashby London! We had no idea how much we needed you. For five years, the four of us thought we were complete…and then we met you and realized we had been missing so much.
We are celebrating today with lunch on our town square and then we invited her BFF Bowen over for swimming and grilling tonight. This weekend, she gets her first family birthday party…and we are so happy to finally celebrate with our little sunshine.
Dinner tonight is something this girl loves…
…Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Click here to see the recipe.
xoxo
Katrin Goldhorn says
Happy 3rd Birthday Ashby London!!! Hope it'll be a fantastic day!
Lots of love from Berlin!
Patty says
Happy Birthday Ashby!! I love that she says she's Mama's baby. That melts my heart. Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday Ashby! Hope it's a great day celebrating your sweet girl!
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday Ashby! You are a child of the King! Allison
Sarah Macinnis says
Happy 3rd Birthday Ashby! Have a blessed day!
E says
How very well said! It is heartbreaking all of the details that we don't know about our kiddos' births, but God does and we can rejoice in that!! Enjoy this very special birthday 😉
Lauren McGreevy says
Happy Birthday, sweet Ashby! I hope she has the best day ever! Your post is so sweet. She definitely will have no doubt that she's loved.
Lauren
http://www.postgradinprogress.blogspot.com
Kitten says
Happy Birthday Ashby Angel! What a blessing you are!
Brantlee says
Happiest of Birthdays Ashby London!! Enjoy your day!
Nicole Miller says
How precious!! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!!
From the Bumpy Road says
Happy birthday, Ashby! We all love watching you grow. You have the sweetest smile and you are so loved.
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!! She's so full of light and love and you guys are all so blessed to have one another! Xoxo
Misty Colton says
Happy, Happy BDAY — Sweet Girl! Your smile lights up the world and my heart melts seeing you so loved and HAPPY!
Anonymous says
This made me cry happy tears. Thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday, sweet Ashby.
Narci says
Happy Birthday to our precious Ashby! We love you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Toni :O) says
Happy 3rd Birthday beautiful girl! Hope you have the best day! ????
Anonymous says
Awe, this brought tears to my eyes. What a blessing that little girl is and what a testimony of God's faithfulness! Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Grimes Life says
Oh shay, she is blessed to be your daughter! She will learn so much about Jesus from the love you show her. I hope y'all have the best time celebrating ashby today!
Erika Slaughter says
Awe!!! God is so good!! I cannot believe that sweet girl is already turning three! She is a little ray of sunshine wherever she goes and the Slaughters love that little girl to pieces. Happy Birthday Ashby!!!
kimm atwood says
Happy birthday ashby!!!
Jen says
You are so inspiring! I always think deep down (I thought this about my second born) how is it possible to love as much as my first born. You have opened my eyes. It is so clear you love her as much as your others. It truly is amazing how much love God gives us. Thank you for showing your readers and Happy Birthday Week to Ashby!!
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!!
I know another sweet girl's bday today as well!!!!
SS
Mama Of Boys says
Oh man, I hardly got through the first paragraph before I started to cry. Happiest of Birthdays little love, enjoy being 3, my toddler assures me it's the best!!! xx
Kelly Stamps says
Happy birthday Ashby! She is a ray of sunshine!!!!
Laura says
happy Birthday, Ashby!! I loved this post, Shay! Can't wait to see birthday pics!!
Katrina Goodman says
Happy birthday Ashby! I cry every time I read your posts about her! I hope y'all have a great day and a great weekend!! God sure has blessed you!!
Michelle Stoker says
Happy Birthday, sweet Ashby! You are the perfect addition to the Shull family!!
The Yarbrough's says
Happy Happy Birthday Ashby!!!! I hope yall have a wonderful day celebrating her. :)'
Anonymous says
Beautiful words! Happy Birthday Ashby!
stacy says
I was just telling my husband how sad it was that you don't really know her birthday and he quickly said, "Well she's in great company, Jesus' birthday is also estimated!" He is so right, she is in great company! Happy Birthday to that sweet girl!
Mrs. Barnes says
Happy birthday sweet angel!!!
Lindsay Dunagan says
Happy Birthday Ashby!! What a beautiful post!!
Meredith says
Happy birthday, Ashby! Beautiful words – she is such an incredible blessing! And I completely understand the sadness about not knowing her birthday, but I think that means you just celebrate your baby girl for 10 extra days. ? Hope today is wonderful!!
Anonymous says
Wow.. Love this post. Happy happy birthday to Ashby!! From the pictures of her smiling face I can tell she celebrates life EVERY day 🙂
Katie Smith says
Happy Birthday, beautiful Ashby!!!!!:)
April Parrish says
Happy Birthday today to sweet Ashby!!! I'm in tears over here! She is a true blessing from God and I'm so thankful she has a beautiful and loving family to share her life with!
Praying this is a birthday she'll remember forever!!!
Kathy Olson says
Happy Birthday, Ashby!
Nicole Leggett says
What an awesome post! Happy Birthday Sweet Ashby!!
Natalie Zambreski says
So much love in this post, happy birthday Ashby!
Ashley says
Happy birthday sweet Ashby! Praying God's blessings over you 🙂
New Reader says
I am a newcomer to this blog and I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your family through reading. I was adopted from Korea when I was young and especially love reading about your life with Ashby. My birthday, which may have been estimated, was yesterday. A slightly mysterious past will never hold her back if she is loved. Happy Birthday, Ashby.
jojo says
You all are so lucky to have each other, the joy you bring to each others hearts is visibly abundant!
Celebrate Ashby's adoption day, make memories of the 'birth' of your family of five, the day you met her for the first time!
Happy third birthday Ashby! Enjoy celebrating your first birthday as a Shull!
Tracey says
This brought tears to my eyes! I am so glad that sweet little girl found such a loving family! Happy Birthday, Ashby!
Ridhi says
More beautiful words have never been written. Happy Birthday Ashby!
Anne B. says
Your posts about Ashby are my very favorite, but this one is above them all! Happy Birthday, Ashby!
I was adopted as a baby and my birthday was September 12. Then six months before I turned 21 I found out that my real birthday is actually September 2. It was such a crazy feeling for me. I wasn't mad, I felt extra special- now I'm the girl with two birthdays!
The hardest part for me was that I always felt a special connection to my birth mom on my birthday. I knew it was the one day out of the year that we were thinking of each other at the same time. When I found out my real birthday I felt I had been cheated the connection all those prior years. But now that I'm older I realize it's just a day. The real reason to celebrate is the person!!
My husband and I are in the process of adopting now and your blog lifts up my heart on those days I feel it may never happen. Squeeze that little girl extra tight today! She is so extremely lucky, and I think June 9th sounds like a perfect birthday!
Denise Swain says
This made me cry such happy tears…… Happy Birthday Ashby!❤️
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday to your precious girl (from NC)!
Angie says
God is so good, all the time! What a beautiful little girl she is. Happy Birthday Ashby London, you are so loved! Numbers 6:24-26 xoxo, Angie
Michelle Ragsdale says
Happy Birthday Ashby! such a blessing…GOD is good
Leigh says
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl.
I feel the same way every year on my son's birthday, although the first one he spent as part of our family was the hardest. His birthdate was given to him at a court date. Breaks my heart to have so many unknowns.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Shay, tears were brimming the entire time I was reading this post…but when you said she was never alone in that box, they spilled over. So appreciative of Ashby's birth mom, so thankful that God had his hand in the situation the entire time, and so thrilled for Ashby that she is where she is today; in a family that loves her to pieces. I also feel blessed that I've had a front row seat for much of the process, because it has been so sweet to watch and pray. Happy Birthday Ashby! We love you!
Tara Smith says
I echo your sentiments!!
And I wish happy birthday to your sweet Ashby!
Meagan Ruse says
Bring on the tears! Happy Birthday, sweet Ashby! We love you!
Brooke @ A Retherford Realization says
Happy Birthday to the cutest little 3 year old around! Ashby, you are loved by people all over the world and we love what your Mama has taught us from your experience! May you have the happiest of birthdays!!
Mimi says
Beautiful…all of it. I am bawling my eyes out with so many different emotions right now. Happy birthday, Ashby!
nichole says
Happy Birthday Ashby!
Angie says
So beautiful! I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face, as I'd probably feel some of the same things you're feeling. I love how you love this little gir!! I love how God knew you'd be her mommy when she was all alone in that box many miles away. Awesome story of God's amazing love!
Can't wait to see pics of her first party celebrating her!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Just…simply beautiful. 🙂
Haley Southey says
Happy Birthday sweet Ashby! You are such a joy!! 🙂
Heather Leigh says
Happy Birthday, Ashby! Such a sweet post!
Whitney S. (Gracefully Mama) says
Happy Birthday, Ashby! She is blessed, and so are all of you! 🙂
Anonymous says
Happy birthday Ashby!
Paige Cowart says
Beautiful!!! ❤️ Happy birthday precious, Ashby!!!
cristina villalba says
Happy 3rd Birhday Ashby London!! May the good Lord bless you on your special day and always!!
Elizabeth Valdez says
Happy Birthday Ashby! Wishing little Ms. Ashby all the best on her 3rd birthday!
Becca in Colorado says
I've been reading your blog for a few months now, and this is my first time commenting. I love what you wrote today about the birth of your beautiful little girl. I'm so happy you all found each other. What a blessing! Happy birthday Ashby!
Liz/ says
Happy, Happy Birthday to your sweet baby girl! Gosh, this post had me crying this morning! Your words about her and her birth mama and God all wrapped together is just the sweetest thing I have ever read! Ashby has blessed you just as much as you have blessed her and you are all such better people because of one sweet little girl! I am so overjoyed to see how happy she is in your home and in turn how happy she makes the 4 of you! You have a big heart and you are one terrific mama! So many hugs to you because what you and your family have done for her has melted my heart since day one!
Jenny says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Your blog post brought me to tears. What a great God we serve! None of the details of Ashby's life has taken Him by surprise and how wonderful that her forever family cares and loves for her the way you do. You are amazing! As I read your words about not knowing the date, my heart couldn't help but think about that birth mama who does know the exact date. Oh how she probably wonders, at this time each year, what became of that sweet baby girl. Today I pray that God gives her a peace that she knows Ashby is taken care of, that God gives grace and forgiveness and loves deeper than she has ever experienced, and that He cares for her as well!! Happy Birthday, Ashby!
Laurie S says
Beautifully written!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Well I'm sitting over here sobbing. Ashby is so loved by her family and by her heavenly Father. What a special day! I know that God has big plans for Ashby and I'm so excited to see how He writes her story. Thank you for sharing so much of her with all of us. So much love for your family!
Anonymous says
Your posts on Ashby warm my heart. By the way, I'm not that into numbers, but they just keep coming to mind as I think about your post. She's your baby number 3 and then her birthday is 6-9-12. So, 3-6-9-12. Very cool!
GiGi T says
This is 2015, so that can be added in too. 3-6-9-12-15. Isn't it amazing how God puts all the puzzle pieces together, even with numbers such as this! As if we needed more proof that this sweet girl wasn't in God's plan to be a Shull! Happy birthday Ashby!
Melanie Smith says
Just the thought of little Ashby in a box in front of a hospital makes my heart hurt, but so thankful that we have a God that stayed with her, placed her in your arms, and gave her a forever family. How blessed is she? And you all. I just love the story so much, each time you tell it.
Happy 3rd birthday, Ashby London.
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
Shay, this post brought tears to my eyes. So thankful for Ashby for so many reasons. Many are the reasons that you listed above but also so thankful that she has you and your family as HER family now too. You can just tell through your words just how much you all love her so, so much. You all are the perfect match for each other. Enjoy your day and celebrate!
Happy, happy birthday sweet Ashby!
Rebecca Jo says
Oh gosh… that made me teary eyed… God had a plan for that baby wherever she was those days before she was taken in… & she's right where she needs to be. Happy 3rd birthday to your baby
Gina Cogan says
well this is just the sweetest thing i've ever read! i'm a firm believer that children are closest to the Lord because He spent 9 months with them; knitting them together in their mamas womb and you better believe that if He was knitting them together that He was whispering His truth to them all along the way. You are so right. She was NEVER alone!!!
Anonymous says
AMEN!
Katie says
Oh my goodness, reading this made me tear up! I am adopted and its a wonderful feeling knowing your family had prayed and hoped for you! She is so loved! Happy Birthday Ashby 🙂
Grace says
Happy birthday Ashby!! Shay this post was so sweet. I'm so glad both of you have found each other and that together you're a forever family ❤️
Janet says
Happy Birthday Ashby!
Melanie says
Happy birthday to Ashby! What a sweet post…thank you for sharing.
Kim says
Made me cry!;) Beautiful, precious, little girl!
Anonymous says
Shay, I could not read this without getting teary eyed. Happy Birthday Ashby!!
Charming Lucy says
Happy birthday to your precious girl. I have relaly enjoyed following your story and pray that you have many years of health and happiness with your family(: Susan
Charming Lucy says
Oh and just a thought – we don't know that actual date of Jesus' birthday either. We just selected a date and all Christians celebrate. It works perfectly(: Susan
Jersey Love says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!!!!!!!!!!
Lindsay Otis says
It's so funny how excited I am to see her birthday party theme, etc! I love all of your kiddo's birthdays and if I decide to ever have any, I will definitely be using you for inspiration. Thanks for letting us into your home, family and heart. PS. Happy Birthday Ashby! Don't worry this 24 year old is still a big ole mama's baby!
http://www.lindsayotis.blogspot.com
Anonymous says
Happy birthday, sweet Ashby! I got a little misty eyed reading your post. She is a sweetheart and all of you are incredibly blessed to have each other. God bless 🙂
Jenny says
This makes me so happy! What a lucky little girl! Happy Birthday to Ashby!
Jordan says
Happy birthday sweet beautiful girl I've loved reading your journey ?
Cindy says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!! Enjoy your day baby girl! This post really made my morning. Ashby is so happy and loved. She has truly come a long way since the beginning til now. Love is a beautiful thing. May God continue to bless and keep your family.
Jane @ anothermommablog.blogspot.com says
Happy Birthday Ashby!
Anonymous says
Tearing up at work and blaming it on "allergies"…. truly beautiful words written about an even more beautiful little girl! I hope you and your family has a fantastic "first" birthday celebration with Ashby! xox
Anonymous says
Happy birthday to your precious Ashby! I love that our God is so intricately and intimately involved in ALL the details of our lives and that He planned for the 5 of you to be together before the world was ever even formed. What a powerful testimony and sweet story your family has been given. Thank you for sharing your lives with us! God Bless!
Anonymous says
That was such a touching entry. It brought tears to my eyes. Ashby is so lucky to have you guys (and you guys are lucky to have her). I love what you said about her not being alone in that box. I can feel the love you share through your words. I am so grateful you share her story with us! God bless you and your family!
Stefenie Garcia says
Happy Birthday Ashby!! Enjoy your special day sweet girl! ? Shay you are truly blessed and she as well! This made me cry! I love how you love her mom and will instill such love to her! God knew exactly what he was doing! ?
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!! I'm sitting in my cube at working balling my eyes out, happy tears of course!!! What a blessing she is and thank you for sharing her and your family. Here's to many many many more happy and healthy years for all!
Danika says
Happy Birthday Ashby! Have a very happy 3rd birthday 🙂
thegoodstuffbyajaespoo.com says
Shay, I have been following your adoption story for a while. Growing up many of my closest friends were adopted and I really believe that someday that will lead me to making adoption a part of my own family's story. One of those friends, who was adopted from China (and also has a handicap), recently wrote a book about his experience going back to his orphanage and somewhat, by chance, rediscovering his birth family. The book is called "Second Chance" by Wyatt Harris. It is a very personal and honest account, including how it brought him even closer to his adoptive family. Even after knowing him for most of my life, I was very inspired by his story. From this book and journey he also started a foundation, http://www.secondchancefndn.com/, which such orphans coming to the U.S. as exchange students. I would really encourage you to check them both out.
thegoodstuffbyajaespoo.com says
Shay, I have been following your adoption story for a while. Growing up many of my closest friends were adopted and I really believe that someday that will lead me to making adoption a part of my own family's story. One of those friends, who was adopted from China (and also has a handicap), recently wrote a book about his experience going back to his orphanage and somewhat, by chance, rediscovering his birth family. The book is called "Second Chance" by Wyatt Harris. It is a very personal and honest account, including how it brought him even closer to his adoptive family. Even after knowing him for most of my life, I was very inspired by his story. From this book and journey he also started a foundation, http://www.secondchancefndn.com/, which such orphans coming to the U.S. as exchange students. I would really encourage you to check them both out.
Raashi Agarwal says
This made me so emotional, you and your family are such beautiful, thoughtful, caring people. Happy Birthday Ashby!!! Hope she enjoys her first Birthday Party! 🙂
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Happy Birthday to your precious girl! What a blessing that all of you now have each other. God sure does know what He's doing, doesn't He? I hope you guys have a wonderful time celebrating today!
<3 Linds at LindsaysSweetWorld.blogspot.com
Jennifer Richards says
What a beautiful post! Happy Birthday, sweet Ashby! ?
Kara Janzen says
Such a great post Shay! Happy Birthday Ashby! I really appreciate hearing what your mama heart had to say :).
Dawn says
Happy Birthday sweet Ashby!!
Stephanie Whatchamacallit says
Shay, I am a follower of your blog, but very rarely comment. Your post today really touched my heart. I’m 32 years old and was adopted by my parents when I was 9 months old. I was born in Canada, and at the time, all records were sealed. Growing up I had very little information about when I was born. I knew my birth date, but I didn't know what time I was born or how much I weighed, and I knew nothing about my birth parents. It’s not silly at all for that to make you sad. It bothered me for a long time that I didn't know these details about myself. It’s a form of “belonging” and “validation”, at least that’s how it felt to me. Oddly, this didn't really bother me too much as a kid, but more as an adult. When I became a mom I had nothing to compare my daughter to. I didn't know if she was similar in birth weight to me, if she looked like me when I was born, or if she looked like anyone in my family. It was just a weird feeling. About 2 years ago my birth parents tracked me down (that’s a whole other story) and I was finally able to get answers to so many questions. And you know what? It really didn't matter. Once I knew what time I was born and how much I weighed, it was good information to have, but it wasn't as big of a deal as I had made it. It was almost like the letdown after opening Christmas presents. I say this, because I know it bothers you not to know certain things, but ultimately the details don’t change the big picture. I was blessed with an amazing family, just like Ashby has been, and that’s what’s important. I hope what I've written has helped a little, as that was my intention. Sometimes I tend to ramble and not make much sense. 🙂 Happy Birthday Ashby!
Nina Fullerton says
This makes my heart so so happy. God sure knew what He was doing when He was watching over sweet Ashby in that box. He just knew the baby in the box would turn into the sweet girl in the purple pajamas with her forever family. Thank you for being so open and sharing this beautiful story that is your life! Bless you all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHBY!
Laura Youker says
Happy Birthday, Ashby!
crazymom says
Happy birthday sweet Ashby. This brought me to tears. What an amazing blessing you are to her and an inspiration to so many others. God is good!
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday, Ashby!
Its been a blessing to watch your story unfold.
Anonymous says
Happy Birthday precious girl!!! Your words brought me to tears! She is the most beautiful 3 year old, both inside and out! The love your family shares for one another is precious! I can't wait to keep "watching" sweet Ashby grow and thrive more and more!!!
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Thank You Jesus for sweet Ashby and for the beautiful family you blessed her with! I'm crying here, because Shay you are a precious gift and the best mother. God bless you and Happy Birthday Ashby! Jesus loves you! XO
gracemountaindiaries says
Happy birthday Ashby! What an amazing story glorifying our loving God. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Jaclyn Johnson says
Happy Birthday to your sweet daughter Ashby, Shay! This made me tear up, this little girl really is so lucky to have found all of you as her forever family, God bless you all!
Rebecca says
And here is something else Our God knew~that Ashby would become a part of your family! Precious! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
Sarah Lee Park says
How beautifully said. This post made me cry- both with sadness at the thought of her birth day and with joy that God placed her in such a loving, God-fearing home. What a blessed girl she is!!! And that paragraph about "here's what we do know" did me in…you have a beautiful heart and a beautiful family!!
Laurie S says
Happy third birthday sweet Ashby! Shay you wrote a wonderful post. I had tears in my eyes when I got to your statement how Ashby was not alone in the box, that Jesus was watching over her, putting the pieces of His plan together in HIS perfect timing. Kind of like Moses in the basket on the river… Oh I know that Jesus has great plans for Miss Ashby. God bless you all. Enjoy your partying!
Anonymous says
Oh goodness I teared up reading your post, it was so beautifully written! Happy Birthday to that sweet little girl of yours!
Paula says
"Momma's Baby" tears…tears…tears…ABSOLUTELY precious!
Happy 3, Ashby!
Anonymous says
Happy birthday to the beautiful Ashby London Shull! The way you talk about her is so sweet, shows how amazing your love for her is, and shows how much her family really cares about her. I just saw your Instagram post, and I just have to say "How Adorable!" Kensington has a heart of gold. Most little girls would never even think about donating their beautiful hair. What special kids you have! Now Kensington and Ashby have the exact same haircut, and I think it's really cute! Would love to read more about Kensington's haircut journey and maybe see a pic of your "twin" girls now! Enjoy this day for Ashby. She was truly blessed to arrive into such an amazing, loving family where she fits right in. You inspire me Shay! 🙂
Leigh says
Happy Birthday Ashby!!! I know it's only been a few months, but you can see her growing and changing just in the pictures. Have a wonderful day celebrating your sweet girl!
Anonymous says
Thankyou so much for this wonderful post. You and your family are truly great blessings to us your readers. Happy Birthday Ashby London.
Cheers, Jane from OZ
Michelle N. says
Happy celebrating!!
Anonymous says
And now I'm crying. So sweet and true.
Jen Watts says
This was just the sweetest..thank you for sharing Ashby's story with us. Happy birthday Mama's baby!
Anonymous says
All of your children are just gorgeous but that photo of Kensington & Ashby wearing the matching outfits with the pink sweater is the best! I am sure little Ashby will have the best birthday ever! thanks for sharing
Jeanie says
Happy birthday, sweet Ashby! You couldn't ask for a better family. God put you right where you belong.
Briana Runde says
Reading this with tears in my eyes! You are an awesome momma! Happy birthday to your baby girl!
Denise Ross says
Happy third birthday Ashby. I hope you have a fabulous time celebrating. Shay I love this post, I love your heart here. The thoughts and emotions and both you and Ashby's birth mother are having right now would be huge. I'm sure her birth mother will never forget her and would be forever thankful that Ashby is growing up in a beautiful family who love her and adore to the moon and back. Enjoy your week celebrating this special time with Ashby :). Hugs
lorisavage says
I hate that it took so long for her to be with you. But I know that God always meant for you to be together! Happy Birthday sweet Ashby! Thanks so much for sharing her story.
Katie A. says
This post was so incredibly sweet and had me all choked up as I read. What a lucky girl to have you as her mama, and I know how lucky you feel to have her as your daughter. Enjoy her day! xo
<3, Katie A.
Leslie Seror says
Happy birthday, Ashby! You're a great mama, Shay. xoxo
The Nelson Happenings says
Happy Birthday !
East End Mom says
This is beautiful. She is just as lucky to have you as you are to have her. Happy Birthday Ashby!
Lora G says
What a sweet and fitting tribute to a very deserving little girl! God bless you all!
Eileen says
Beautiful! Happy birthday to Ashby!
Jaren says
Well now you made me cry! She may be uncertain of those things as she grows, but she will have such an amazing story of love to share with everyone she meets!
Aubrey says
I'm crying too, but such happy tears. Happy birthday, Ashby!!