It's my daughter's 12th birthday today.

If you know me at all,

you know I'm a big cry baby.

But I am proud of myself,

I've only cried once today -

for no reason

except that she is old

and isn't this

anymore

my sweet baby girl.

Best baby ever, by the way.

And if I regret anything in life,

it's not devoting enough time to her and Maxwell when they were this age

(but my husband says that I can't go back and change it - all I can do is make it right now) *photo taken by Kristie Lugiewicz, and many thanks to her for taking my absolute favorite photos of my children EVER

This child had to grow up with me - grow up as I grew up with her, because I was a "baby" when I had her.

So I am hoping to make it up to her.

Because she is awesome.

I could not ask for a better child.

She's fun.

And funny.

and sweet and kind.

And I love her to bits.

Happy Birthday, my baby girl!  I wish you many, many more.