Seventeen

The big 1-7.  Erin Elizabeth, you were born on a Tuesday morning at 7:55 a.m.  Today is a Tuesday, and , at that very moment, I smiled, and my heart grew more today.  I love that about being a parent.  Each and every day, my heart grows just a bit more.  Last night, for instance, you and I were having a conversation, and I was explaining my side of a story and my perspective on things. The beauty of that conversation was that you said right back, "Oh, I can definitely see how you would feel that way."  That is a gift, my Erin.  You can see both sides of an argument, mull it over in your brain, and validate how someone else might be feeling.  That kind of emotional intelligence will take you so far in your life, and in all relationships you encounter. I was so proud of you at that moment, I wanted to burst.  I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell you that before you turned in for the night.

Today, you are 17.  Just returning from Europe, all caught up on sleep, and returning to the world of school that will keep you busy until the end of the school year.  My last post was about you too.  I haven't written in awhile, yet, I am grateful for the inspiration that you are giving me today.

You are my first born.  You are the one that I tried everything out on to see if there would be success or failure.  The trials and errors of being a parent.  I loved being a stay at home Mom with you.  Oh, we had so much fun, the two of us.  Despite a not so great pregnancy--the first 20 weeks, anyway, and your makeup of needing to be colicky for the first three months even had it's rewards;  you slept through the night at 6 weeks and were the most pleasant baby with facial expressions I can still see in my mind today.

I love the young woman you have become.  You are creative, intelligent, have wonderful common sense, and you love to learn.  How many 17 year teenager's, approaching their senior year of high school, want a full schedule even though you don't have to have one!  I love that about you.  You take chances.  You risk.  You try.  You fail.  You pick yourself up again.  You move forward.  You make great choices of friends that you will know all of your life. You are THE best bargain shopper I know.  You write beautifully and have an eye for photography that whether your vocation or avocation, you will always have that within you.

I love how you love your brother, despite the usual grumblings of sibling rivalry.  How when he was younger you always made him feel safe and was like a little mother to him.  I love the nurturing side of you.  Whether your brother or any child, you are wonderful with children.  It is evident in how they respond to you.

On this day, and everyday, my Erin, I think about what a blessing you are to me and to our family.  You are independent, and your own person, yet needing comfort just like anyone else. When I heard the Dr. say, "I knew it was a girl.", we were scared, surprised, and filled with joy.  You paved the way and allowed me to grow as a parent. 

I will continue to welcome you to this world everyday.  Even when we traveled and forgot the CD of Nicolette Larson singing "Welcome to the World", I would start to sing it, and the familiar tune would lull you to sleep.  Those moments are for a parent to cherish, yet made you such a happy baby.

Happy Birthday, my wonderful daughter.

Thank you for being.  Thank you for giving all of us life!

I love you with all of my heart.

Mom