Happy 13th birthday to my daughter,

my oldest,

my baby.

We have been busy for the last two weeks and that has preoccupied my mind,

thank goodness.

I haven't had time to think about how much I hate her getting old,

how much I regret not being a better mom in her early years,

and how much I hate her getting older...wait...did I say that already?

Words cannot say how proud I am of her.

She is an awesome big sister.

She has her own style

and

she doesn't take crap from anyone.

My heart constantly beams

at the girl she is

and the girl she's becoming

My heart aches for her when she is sad,

when she misses family that is far away...

She's fearless

when she wants to be

She is fun

and funny

and wonderful.

So, again...as I sit here on the birthday I have feared,

I am going to try to hold back the tears

that mourn the loss of all the years

that have gone by too quickly

and

look to the wonderful years ahead

with my beautiful baby girl.

Happy Birthday, Lys!

Thank you for sweeping me off my feet and changing my life forever!

I love you with everything in me.

{and now I will go wipe away my tears and take her to breakfast}

:)