8

my dear k-gal,

it's hard for me to even type the words that best describe my heart right now. it is bittersweet to see yet another year move rapidly forward and bring you ever closer to the grown up version of my baby. i never thought that i was going to be lucky enough to have one, but i had two angels given to me. how was i chosen to have the honor of being your mom!? you teach me every day. you reach places in me that i can truly say it is because of your skill and gifts that find them in my soul. you make me a better person, a better mom, and truly a better wife to daddy. i love all the pieces of you. and the way they fit into the pieces of this family puzzle.

you shine like an evening star. you clear the mountain tops of the morning clouds in an instant with your smile. you bring such amazing energy to the place that you are in - wherever it is - and you glisten with the gentle, tender heart that you own. you spread your love, and your warmth to every living creature that touches your soul, and you in turn, change the world with your impact - how you change the workd! everyone and everything is better for the touch that you bring. you are magic, and beauty wrapped into a ball of red-hair and smiles. the giggles, the dancing, the singing, the joy - it's that spirit, that unbridled peace that you share willingly and lovingly.

you inspire!

thinking that you've been here for eight years gives me pause. how can it be? where has the time evaporated to? where is that rolly baby with the grin that stopped traffic? where is the wee one that watched intently as her brother merrily entertained her for hours, and hours?

your tenacity, and strong will are two things that i can surely say i've passed on to you - you are a force to be reckoned with, and one that packs a mighty result. you are stubborn, and persistent. you are charasmatic, and charming, and you are steadfast, and tireless. qualities indeed to be channeled in ways that will serve you well as you grow in this world. you will be strong, and accomplished. you will see it no other way. i've no worries about your placement as you grow. you'll always land on your feet, and find the best path. your heart will guide you here in this area, as well. and you will methodically, and cleanly make your decisions.

no regrets allowed!

but by golly, my heart does ache for the pain that comes with being a tender hearted, caring, and very open little girl. how i wish i could shelter you from the sting of lost love, or anger, or even the pain of sadness. if i could, i'd throw my blanket of love around you and tie that knot so that nothing could move in to hurt you, and nothing would make you cry - not ever. how i wish i could be the one to keep the bad guys away, forever. i'd be there to wipe every tear, and hold you close so the monsters went away. but i can't do that. i can only groom the wings that you sprouted that august morning back in 2000, and then i have to let the wings do the job they've been waiting to do. for a little while longer, though, i'll keep you close. hold you when i can - and love you with all of my heart. that, i'll do forever.

i'll let you show me the way to grow.

but i've gotta tell ya, i'd keep you eight forever if someone asked me to!

happy birthday, my sweet baby girl! may today be the beginning of a wonderful year!

i love you more today than yesterday.

and all the way to the moon and back.

three times.

xo, mommy

**(post started 8.22.08) **