Olivia Anne, Happy Sweet Sixteen and, Thank You...

On September 18th 1997, I became a mother. The day before my birthday and right on her due date, Olivia Anne came bursting onto the scene. I was blinded and completely in love with this little bundle of mine. I hadn't a clue what to do with her but, boy oh boy, did I love her!

Looking back now, I am realizing how amazingly blissful those first few years of motherhood were. Those sweet lazy days, no rush to be anywhere, except maybe the park.  Just you, me and Special Bear.  

But, Liv, my sweet girl, you insisted on growing. And soon our sweet blissful days became just a memory. But such a treasured one. Thank you for those days...

Our days soon became busy, with the arrival of Sophia. Such a firecracker, good thing you were there to help mama. How we would sit and laugh as Baby Sophie got into "something" and needed a helping hand.  The two of you would sit and play(what you wanted) and sing (what you told her to). And I would sit and count  my blessings. Thank you for those days...

And soon you were a little girl. No sign of that baby, or toddler remained. You had your own girlfriends and play dates and of course ballet. Oh, and there were noisy crazy birthday parties. And late nights with giddy girls at sleepovers, where no sleeping was allowed. Bad moods and meltdowns were introduced... that was interesting...   Braces and manicures and big girl haircuts. And I thought these years will never end. And I smiled. But alas, my love, you still insisted on growing even more.  And more treasured memories were tucked away, safely in my heart. Thank you for those days...

And then you became a teenager... WOW!  Good bye to St. Peter School and hello to  high school , more ballet, Stress was now a steady part of your life. I watched how you learned to balance honor classes with long ballet classes mixed with even longer rehearsals. Homework, family life, friends, tough times, disappointments and  accomplishments. And I watched you somehow pull it all together and make it work. And I was proud. These are the days we are in right now.  Thank you for these days...  I treasure them, as I know these too will soon become a memory.

As you turn 16 today, I wanted to take this time to thank you. Thank you for just being you. For always loving me. Thank you for overlooking all my short comings and mistakes... there have been plenty, and will most likely be plenty more. I am also a work in progress. 

I look forward to the days yet to come. I'm excited to see where they will lead you. One thing I know for sure, is that.. I will smile, I will be proud and my heart will be bursting with treasured memories.

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Liv
Love you more...
Mom


P. S  I think you are most beautiful when you smile....