A day early

Dear Bug,

Tomorrow is your 12th birthday.

I cannot believe how fast time is flying! It seems like just yesterday you were that beautiful, bald, fat little baby girl that came into my life. Today, you are a sweet, beautiful, funny tween that loves music, books, and horses.

You make me laugh on a regular basis. Your innocence and gullibility make you a target for some folks, but I think it is endearing. As long as you continue to look to me for the truth you know you will get it. Others may try to trick you into believing things, but I will never steer you wrong. You have my pinkie promise on that!

I wish I could protect you from things that are heading your way... broken hearts, fights (with J-man, your dad, and me), accidents, high-school, boys - but I can't. You have to live through them to grow. You have to experience them to become the woman you are meant to be. I just hope you never forget that you can talk to me about anything. We are together in your journey through teenage angst.

Most of all, I want to let you know how much I love you. You make me so proud. You are a genuinely good person and great friend to those you are close to. I have never met one so loyal. I wish I had been more like you as a kid. You have more confidence than I did, and you tend to do a good job at standing up for yourself.

I hope all your dreams come true. I hope you get to be the Olympic Equestrian Gold Medalist that is also a Chef. I will do whatever I can to make that happen.

I am writing this today because tomorrow is going to be a busy one for you. Your friends are coming over to celebrate a very special day. I hope it is everything you want it to be and more. I hope you enjoy every second of it and smile that beautiful smile of yours all day long.

You are something special. Happy birthday.

I love you,

Mom