HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, BELLE

Thank you God for this miracle.
And for letting her be okay with not being a 'girly-girl'!

Nine years ago today, I was immensely blessed with the most beautiful, blond-haired, blue-eyed baby girl. And as I probably write every year, she was just the best baby. Poor girl had reflux like nobody's business. She could seriously hit a target with her projectile throwing-up from 30 paces. Then, like the true champ she is, would grin ear-to-ear.

She still has that get-up-and-go spirit about her. Truth be told, I was so nervous about having a girl. I've always been a sort-of tomboy, at least not a girly-girl, and wasn't sure how I was going to raise a little girl. Especially when I saw her. She was gorgeous and I thought, "What am I gonna do with THIS?!"

Fast-forward nine years to yesterday. It was Mother's Day and the card she made me said a lot about the kind of person she is becoming. While her words were meant for me, I was so proud of what she said for her. And while it did let me know I must not be doing too bad as a mom of a little girl, most importantly it told me about her compassionate heart, her will to succeed and her loving spirit. (I especially love the way she ended it...shows me she's got some of me in her for sure!).


Dear Mom,

I just want to tell you Happy Mother's Day. I love you so much and here are some reasons why:

You make dinner for me.
You will always believe in me, no matter what.
You help me feel safe at night.
You're always there when I need you.
You will do anything for me.
You encourage me to do new things.
You say to me, "When you fall off a horse, get back on!"
You love me in every way.
You are very nice when I've had a bad day.
You are always there to pick me up.
And you are my mom so you better be proud!
Together forever.

I love you, Shelby.


I love you more every single day, my sweet, strong and a little-bit-sassy girl. I wouldn't change a thing about you except to have you see more of the amazing things in you that I see. Don't ever doubt yourself and don't ever lower the bar you've set very high.

So, my Shelby-Belle, I just want YOU to know...Happy 9th Birthday. I hope it's your happiest year yet and every year hereafter just gets better and better. I'm proud to be your momma (and love that you still call me that about 100 times a day!).

I love you more (yes I do...yes I do...yes I do),
Momma