Mini-Me is turning 16. And even as I write this, I really don't know how it can be true. One day I was carrying her around in her Baby Bjorn, kissing her perfect little round head, and trying to keep those tiny socks on her little feet, and now....well, now she's almost all grown up.
When we had Mini-Me (our first), I don't think I ever really pictured this far ahead. Maybe I did in some kind of abstract way - that she would someday grow up and go to college and get married and have a career and babies of her own. But I never really imagined being here, at this point in time. And I never imagined what it would feel like to know that my days with her as a child in my home would soon be coming to an end. I never looked down at my sleeping infant and imagined that this time together would not last forever. Maybe because I was too exhausted and sleep-deprived. Or maybe it was because thinking about it would have been too painful to bear.
But of course, I know that this is exactly what is supposed to happen. That this is exactly what one wishes for their child. Mini Me is supposed to grow and separate and make a wonderful life of her own. And in so many ways that has already begun. She has a really terrific boyfriend and lots of great friends, she is starting to drive (ahhh!) and even beginning her preparations for college. No doubt the next few years will be busy and crazy and exciting.
Despite the bitter-sweetness of this time in my life, I am also so delighted to see the lovely young woman that Mini-me has become. I may call her my "mini-me", but make no mistake, she is a unique and special person in her own right. She is brilliant and funny (so funny) and clever and creative and artistic. And beautiful, too. But, as I always tell her, that's just the icing on the incredible cake. She is also better at math than me and has waaaay better eyelashes. :-)
So, Mini-me, if you are reading this, I hope you know how proud Daddy and I are to be your parents. And no matter how old you are or how far away your life takes you (not too far, please), you will always and forever be our baby. We love you and wish for you the sweetest of sweet sixteens.
XOXO
Mommy
Oh my goodness, your sweet words brought tears to my eyes!!!
Posted by: Lisa Marie Klinowski | March 01, 2014 at 12:11 PM
happy birthday to your little lady.
oh, I feel your happiness & sadness! My daughter is 7, she turns 8 this summer and I'm already feeling sad at how quickly our time is passing by.
I used to carry her around in a Babybjörn too. Seems like only yesterday.
Time flies. :O(
Posted by: sadie | March 01, 2014 at 01:31 PM
Oh my gosh, brought a tear to my eyes too! Time really flies! I don't feel it so much with myself but you can't help but notice with kids.
What a cutie pie too! I love the bumble bee picture! And the one on the beach too!
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
Posted by: Laura Tieri | March 01, 2014 at 04:59 PM
Happy birthday to your daughter! 16! I dont know why but i pictured your children as being very young, so this was a surprise. Im sure you will make it a beautiful day for her, enjoy!
Posted by: sharon | March 02, 2014 at 10:11 AM
Happy Birthday, Mini-Me! What an exciting time of life for you! Excuse any typos that may appear here . . . for some reason, my eyes seem to have a bit of excess moisture at the moment . . . :)
Posted by: Sherrill | March 02, 2014 at 01:35 PM
Love you both! What a wonderful accomplishment for both of you! Happy birthday to lovely Mini-Me! xoxoxo
Posted by: Rachel | March 03, 2014 at 08:31 AM
oh my gosh- that made me cry
xo-
Jodi
Posted by: Jodi | March 03, 2014 at 02:57 PM