These two…

… are super sneaky and super sweet.

The Child (and her grandmother) colluded with The Man, who bought me a freaking ridiculously awesome new camera!

I love them.

Look forward to UH-MAZE-ING pictures because I gots mad talent yo! (Well, I do in my own mind any way!)

Twelve years ago today

Today is The Child’s 12th birthday and soon enough I’ll have to refer to her as The Teen. 

I think some moms feel dread at the thought of their children growing up, but I don’t. I am so exceedingly proud of the little lady that she is becoming that I can’t wait to see where she goes.

The day she was born she gave me the greatest gift I have ever received. Not only did I gain the ability to love someone so deeply and purely, she also gave me the ability to love myself and be in awe of what I could accomplish.

Her birth is what I consider to be my greatest accomplishment. She was born at home, surrounded by family, an amazing midwife and a fantastic nurse (a feat I must give her father credit for suggesting). I learned that my body can do amazing things – it can grow a child and sustain it after it is born. And once she no longer needed my body, she taught me that I am a strong and capable woman.  We have had our struggles but because of her I never doubted in our ability to pull through them.

She has been my sidekick since the day she was born, and I enjoy her as a person and her company more and more each day. She’s not only smart, she’s beautiful – inside and out. She has the best sense of humor and can make me laugh like no other. She’s a strong kid – a fighter – but she’s got the softest heart you’ll ever know.

Twelve years ago today my life changed, and every day it gets better and better. I love you so much baby girl!

Thirty day warning