Happy Birthday Off Color Daughter..........

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.” ― Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter

I can't believe that sixteen years ago today,

I was checking into the hospital,

getting an epidural that did not work

and

waiting for you to be born.

I recall the surgery starting,

the pain

and the next thing I know

I am all drugged up

because I refused to allow them to put me to sleep.

You took forever to come out---because of the scar tissue I had from your brothers' C-section twelve months earlier,

the doctors had a hard time getting you to come out.

You balled up and crawled up inside of me,

and

they pulled and tugged and you refused to cooperate.

They eventually had to get a vacuum suction

and

attached it to your head to pull you out.

They held you high for me to see,

and

you scowled at me---like we were really bothering your nap--or something.

Your daddy stayed with you while they stitched me up

and I remember kissing you as they left.

I couldn't believe it when I saw you,

you had an olive complexion and curly black hair, beautiful full lips and dark eye lashes.

I felt a bond of heart connection the minute I saw you and it has only grown stronger over the past sixteen years.

You were a sweet baby

and we called you "snack pack" because you seemed to want to nurse all the time.

You slept through the night almost immediately and rarely cried.  Your laugh...oh my your laugh...was just like "woody woodpecker" from the cartoon. Anytime you laughed, we laughed.

You were the diva of the house in your two piece rock star outfit (blue velvet) and your stick on belly button ring. 

Today you are sixteen

and not much has changed except you are a picky vegan eater.  Your funny and make me laugh with your off color sense of humor that you

inherited from your dad.  I love that you accept people for who they are, that your smart and are always on a quest to learn more, that you are comfortable in your own skin and don't seem to mind what others think.

I'm proud to be your mom

and

treasure the fact that

we are friends.

I wish you nothing but happiness as you grow older.

You'll be driving soon---yes you will get your permit.

I promise to share the ghetto van with you until I find myself something much nicer...

and

I promise to love and support you

for the rest of my life.

You are the best daughter in the whole world...

happy birthday

and

remember...

Just for today

and

for always....

:girls rule:

boys drool

---but don't tell your brother or Big Daddy.