Double Digits

HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY!!

DOUBLE DIGITS 💓

August 6th

I don't even know where to begin. I am in disbelief that you are officially ten years old. It is true what they say- the days are long but the years are short. 

On a ridiculously hot August day I woke up and went to my professional development. My principal texted me and asked me what I was doing so I told him I was learning at the meeting he asked me to attend. He called my bluff, told me to quit playing brick breaker (you can google that), and come to the school....I had more important work to be completed. 

As I approached the building our caseworker called. While she was talking, I walked into the building, into the library, started crying, walked out of the library, walked out of the school while my principal and colleagues were saying my name. As you know, our caseworker was telling me you were born and we were chosen to be your parents. With more joy than you can imagine I called your dad, who of course, was out of town. He had but one question....boy or girl? Yep, your favorite part of your story, I was so happy I did not even ask. 

IT'S A GIRL!!! our caseworker said when I called back and the rest...is history. 

Ten years of history to be exact. 

TEN YEARS OLD! A WHOLE DECADE! 

My beautiful daughter,

On this special birthday, I wish you many more years of happiness and joy. I wish you all that life has to offer and wish you the knowledge to know you can accomplish anything. I know this for a fact because in the last ten years you've proved to be a strong, exceptional young lady.

From two in the morning feedings to sleeping through a hurricane, ten years have passed

From similac sensitive to a true foodie, ten years have passed

From orange spit up everywhere to surviving stomach bugs, ten years have passed

From crawling to running softball bases, ten years have passed

From barely talking to never being quiet, ten years have passed

From messy paintings to wearing make-up, ten years have passed

From sleeping through car rides to becoming a thrill seeker, ten years have passed

From your first plane ride to loving traveling, ten years have passed

From tantrums to pre-teen meltdowns, ten years have passed

From hugs and kisses to 'good night mom', ten years have passed

From a bald head to gorgeous long locks, ten years have passed

From crying on the first day of preschool to a nod hello from the classroom, ten years have passed

From Barney to Double Dare, ten years have passed

From dolls to video games, ten years have passed

In ten years you have grown from the smallest baby to a phenomenal child. I have seen you at your best and your worst and while we sometimes get on each other's nerves, our love is a force to be reckoned with. Your big brown eyes and incredible smile have filled my heart with such happiness. Every day you show the world what a caring, sensitive, thoughtful woman you truly are. 

In one decade you have traveled a short distance in your journey, but you have chosen the path well. At each challenge you've faced, you proved your integrity. You are honest and loyal. You are brave and inspiring. You are stubborn and head strong. You are kind. You are amazing. 

In this next decade you will continue your journey, but this time it will begin to lead you to adulthood. I know for you it will pass slowly. For me, it'll be another blink of an eye. 

I wish from ten to twenty, you continue to be true to yourself

I wish from ten to twenty, you do not fall victim to peer pressure

I wish from ten to twenty, you continue to do what's right when no one is looking

I wish from ten to twenty, you see yourself as others see you 

I wish from ten to twenty, you love more and hurt less

I wish from ten to twenty, you laugh more and cry less

I wish from ten twenty, you let your passion become your path

I wish from ten to twenty, you remember what an astounding young woman you are 

I hope and pray you know even when you're mad, I love you more.

I hope and pray you know even when you're disappointed, I love you more. 

I hope and pray you know even when you're frustrated, I love you more.

I love you because you are you and no one else. 

I will always love you.

From your head to your toes, 

From your thoughts to your actions, 

I love you more.

HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY!

May your next ten years be a ride you'll never forget. 

I love you more today than yesterday.