8 October

Eight.

Eight years ago, I drew the line in the sand between what my life was then and what it is now. Not exactly the life I had asked or or dreamed about, but I celebrate.   I not only celebrate the birth of you, but I celebrate the birth of me, as a Mom and advocate for my children.  Because of you, I am so much stronger.  I am so much more accepting, I see my blessings so much clearer.  You help us all see the happiness in the simple things.  There are challenges, yes.  Somedays I wish I didn't have to walk into "another" school meeting.  Then there are the other days where the lunch lady stops me in the hallway to tell me that you are her "favorite".  Don't think she even knew my other children's names.   there are challenges with all my children.  Everybody has their quirks, no one can predict what their "perfect" baby might grow up to be. Girl you are here to make your mark on the world.  And I'm so glad I get to be a part of it.  So here we are in the present.  You had the "perfect" day for you on your eighth birthday.  You had your favorite pancake breakfast complete with candles.  You opened presents.  You got a camera just the right size for you.  You got a snazzy new purple  bike with stable training wheels.  I love how your brothers made you homemade cards. You got to go for a walk in the woods with your favorite dog on this crisp October day.  You got to take a shower, blow dry your hair and  dress up in your favorite jeans and sweater, and even put on a little of mom's make up.  You got to go out to your favorite pizza place downtown and had a number eight candle in your favorite "white" ice cream for dessert.  I loved how you knew it was your special day and you knew that you were "eight".  I love you with all my heart:)