Happy Birthday Beautiful!

Today is O's Birthday.  How in the world did she get so big so fast?  I still remember the day she was born.  She came in such a calm, sweet little one.  She was so easy-going.  She was such a delight.  Everything was easy with her; the labor went smoothly, she was the only one born on the actual due date.  She slept through the night from day one.  I would actually have to wake her up to feed her.  She could sleep anywhere, anytime.  She was happy and fun and sociable. 

Then 18 months happened and she claimed as much independence as possible.  She tested my authority, she fought me on just about everything and some days she made me want to scream!!!  In those two years I learned more about being a parent from her than I have learned in all my 10 years of motherhood.  I would not have sought out Parenting with Love & Logic (which is an AMAZING book and saved me), I would not have learned an added measure of patience and compassion.  I would not have learned to choose my battles wisely. 

The good news is, after gaining more insight on her and arming myself with better parenting techniques, I can honestly say she is my most obedient child.  I know that precious little angel was sent to me so I could learn some valueable lessons early in my motherhood. 

I adore her.  I love her so deeply.  I love looking into those sparkly eyes and seeing the love reflected back at me.  I love her hugs and the affection she shows me.  I love the conversations we have.  She is a very logic child and it is always interesting to me to see how she puts things together.  Her giggle fills me with delight.

Every once in a while she reminds me of that fiercely independent nature and that is when I step back and choose my battles once more.  She is fun and loving and kind. 

Thank you my sweet girl.  Thank you for changing my life for the better.  Thank you for coming to our family and for all the joy you give to me.  I love the gifts and talents you bring to this family.  So keep smiling because just like your laughter, your smiles are contagious and always brighten my day.