My baby is growing up on me

Jessica sweet 16
How can it be possible that exactly sixteen years have passed since the first time I held you in my arms? I waited for what seemed an eternity for you to be born and yet the last 16 years have gone by in what seems like a blink of an eye. I remember every detail about your birth, and often replay that day in my head – wishing I could go back and relive it one more time. You are my baby ; the one who almost killed me but made our family complete. You have created a love inside of me so fierce, so unbreakable, so unending, and so unconditional. I am incredibly lucky to have been chosen to be your mom. I really must have done something right in life to have been given an a awesome child like you.

You have grown into an amazing young woman. You are so beautiful, strong beyond belief, smart, and loved by everyone. You shine in everything you do.

Please know how incredibly proud I am of you. I know I have been hard on you and not as involved as I wish I could have at times but that doesn't change how much I love you. I set high expectations that you sometimes feel are impossible to reach. Let me reassure you that you have never ever disappointed me. I set those expectations because I want you to achieve everything you have ever wanted. I want all of your greatest dreams to come true. I never want you to feel undeserving of anything, because you deserve the absolute best that life has to offer.

I want you to keep the confidence you have now, and continue to try new things; to meet new people and experience all the amazing things life has to offer. You never know what door will open if you just allow yourself to be vulnerable & put yourself out there. You will make mistakes, but it’s okay because that’s how you learn lessons and become a better person. I’ve certainly made my share of them and then some, and still make plenty of them today. Those mistakes create the path to teach us and allow us to grow so don't be too hard on yourself.

To be honest, you have probably taught me more than I think I’ve taught you. You’ve taught me patience, oh boy have you lol. I’ve learned that screaming at each other often accomplishes nothing except frustration. Listening and biting my tongue are much more effective. I’ll probably still get upset and frustrated with you. I’ll probably still lecture you simply because I am your mom and that’s what we do. I’ve also learned from you to not sweat the small things. You rarely get involved in any gossip or drama and are always true to yourself. You have never really cared what people think of you. You choose to see the good in people, and stand up for others even when you are standing alone. By following your examples, my life has become much simpler and less stressful.

It amazes me how people are drawn to you and your amazing laugh. I admire your quiet strength in the way you accept the unfair things that have happen to you. You keep moving forward, never letting them drag you down.

I hope your birthday is everything you dreamed it could be. Remember how loved you are. You are my sweet baby, your daddy’s little girl, your sisters’ heart, your brother's favorite  pain in the ass , your uncle's favorite in general and you're your niece’s  first  choice when she is looking  to annoy someone. We will all always be here for you and will always be your biggest fans.

Your story is just beginning. I can’t wait to watch you write it. I love you more than all the stars in the sky, and more than all the fish in the sea. My baby you will always be! I love you  baby girl and loved spending your birthday with you. Happy birthday!