Happy golden birthday, linna.

Our “original” Minnesota Baby is 8 years old today! Linna Jane, you are our favorite daughter, and we couldn’t be more proud of the young lady you’re becoming. You still have the same “cry face” that you did when you were a newborn, and I still get choked up thinking about the day you were born. You changed our lives for the better, and you gave me the gift of becoming a Mom. You’re an amazing big sister to your two little brothers, and we can’t wait to watch you grow up. I can’t believe you’re 8! Happy birthday, sweet girl.

(I’ve recorded these videos every year since she was two, right before she goes to bed on the eve of her birthday. Here are Linna’s last words as a 7-year-old.)

(Linna’s last words as a 3-year-old)