All Grown Up (mostly)

17 years old.

It's a bit strange look back on pictures of you from when I first met you a little over 5 years ago. It seems like yesterday and decades ago all at once.

Your crooked teeth and growing out bangs.
Your sparkly and busy tops.
Your glasses and quiet nature.
Your introverted personality.

Now you're all grown up (mostly).
Gorgeous inside and out. A heart of gold and a spirit that shines.
A young woman who's got the world in reach.

You take time to be still with God every single day.
You are busy, busy, busy doing things you love with people you love.
You have a part-time job doing something you enjoy.
You make a loud sigh when I annoy you with a "no".  (it makes me laugh inside)
You are taking crazy hard classes so you can get to your goal quicker.
You are talkative and quiet all in one.
You love Grey's Anatomy (a little obsessively - ha!).
You are talking big dreams and goals (there's no doubt you'll reach them).
You are a Starbucks crazy junior.
You love the Royals.
You make me crazy proud.

I can't express in words how much I truly love you, A. You are a part of me, a part I didn't know I needed. I'm forever thankful to God for the gift of you in my life.

Happiest of birthdays Mlle A!
Je t'aime.
Renee

Hello 9 Year Old!

I'm wrapping up your "8 Year Old Book" right now and looking at pictures from a year ago is one bittersweet moment after another for me. 

You are 9 years old and it seems almost impossible that you have been on this earth for nearly a decade. 

It's your Golden Birthday this year. We aren't really sure what the means but we did a lot of yellow. You've been anticipating this birthday for weeks now. Counting down and being super excited as the day neared. I love this about you.

This was a "just hanging out" birthday. It nearly killed me that we weren't doing a theme but you were sure that this year, you just wanted to hang out with your friends. So we did a movie, and a cookie cake and a sleepover. And as the evening progressed and I watched your interaction with your friends, I realized just how much you are growing up.

Today you...

love to play baseball.

are a huge Blue Jays fan.

love Demons by Imagine Dragons.

are into Pokemon.

are a huge fan of Dr. Who.

love to ride your bike.

think Brian's "claw" is hysterical.

love to read Harry Potter with me.

only allow A to call you "Princess".

mimic your brother in the worst ways. :)

are decisive.

are super sarcastic.

have a soft heart for those with disabilities.

love life to its fullest.

You teach me so much, Monkey. I've seen you grow in all kinds of ways this year. You are an incredible human being and you make me a better person. Thank you for allowing me to love you like crazy (even when it's annoying) for being you, regardless of who's around, and for making such a positive impact on our family.

I love your toes and in between your toes and all the way to the top of your head.

Mom

xo