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I LOVE my first-born!

The first-born child should also be called the 'trial kid'!

I know that sounds bad, but seriously...you learn the good and the bad ways of being a parent with your first kid!

Madi is turning into a wonderful young lady, despite our many flaws as parents.

Sure, she is defiant....but that makes her a strong person.

Yes, nothing is 'her fault'...but I want her to be confident, right!

Yes, she likes things done her own way, and that is fine...as long as her own way is similar to MY own way....

Madi really is a good kid and she is a very hard worker.

She amazes me sometimes, well, all the time actually.

I know we butt heads a lot...but I really appreciate her and all she does to help out.

She has a way of sensing when a little extra help is needed...

Cleaning up the kitchen, unloading the dishes, taking care of the babies...

But she also has a little pre-teen in her...so sometimes when she has that sense that we need help...sometimes she ignores it...

But usually not.

She is pretty shy with people she isn't familiar with, and worries about doing anything wrong.

Madi loves to learn and she understands so much that I don't.

I love that...I hope she continues with that.

I am grateful to have Madi as my first born...even if she doesn't get to have as good of a Mom as the younger ones do.

I think in the end we are better people because Madi Bell was our 'trial kid'.

I hope she forgives me for all I do, and loves me for it anyway.

I pray that we can help guide her in the right direction.

Madi is a strong kid.

I think she will do good and go far in life.

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(By the way, I am realizing that it looks like a tire in the background of Madi's picture...actually it is a planter box...just had to clarify that....)