Happy 12th B-Day T

On July 24, 1997 I gave birth to this beautiful girl.  To imagine I was only 15 at the time.  Being a teen mom wasn’t easy, by any means.  I guess that’s one reason why I’ve always felt the desire to mentor teens.  Whether they have babies or not.  Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and talking at the alternative high school to teens was fulfilling.  I can’t wait for the day to start again.  Especially if my words can prevent teen pregnancy or educate a teen mother in any way.

So today we celebrated T’s birthday.  Just the thought of her being one year closer to the teen years scares me.  Watching her grow up, literally bigger than me already, before my eyes is such a gift.  I can’t believe how time flies.  I always heard that saying but didn’t truly understand it until I experienced my child aging and trying to remember the times when she was a baby.  Now she’s a pre-teen who stands taller than me, wears a larger shoe than I and will soon just completely out grow me.

My parents took us to Red Lobster today for her birthday, which was great.  Although I’m not a huge sea food fan, T loves it!  When Mom/Nana first arrived she brought balloons and Noah asked if one was his.  It was so cute because he came to me and whispered the question.  Of course big sissy shared one of her balloons.  I created a video during our Red Lobster visit, including the gift I gave her.  It was some what emotional so don’t forget to check it out.

Tonight she has a friend over and one of T’s birthday gifts was the George Lopez movie – Mr. Troop Mom.  We just finished watching it and I must say it’s cute.  T loves George Lopez and thinks he’s hilarious.  She also has decided she would love to start her own blog.  We talked about it and I actually think it would be a great idea.  She loves to read, watch movies and listen to music and loves to tell everyone about it.  She also has a great point of view to share about having a younger sibling with disabilities.  She writes short stories and I think a blog would be a great outlet to place all this.  Of course it would be monitored by me and I’m not ready for her to join the twitter world just yet.  I believe she is still too young.  I will make sure to keep everyone updated on this work in progress, as of right now it is still thoughts we are throwing around.

As I wrap up this post I would like to leave a message for my precious girl.
T,
As I’ve watched you grow I must say I’m so proud.  You have been my soccer star, mommy’s big helper and a light in my eyes.  We have been through a lot together in 12 years.  You have tried dance, cheerleading, soccer, violin and sign language.  Some you loved and some not so much.  You have always been a natural giver and I’m so proud for all the volunteer work you’ve done, the 5K walks you have joined and even the yogurt labels you saved at a very young age to help with cancer.  Several years you even participated in Jump Rope for heart causing jumpers knee and wearing a cast for a month.  Of course the whole 12 years weren’t glorious, we’ve had our fair share of rough times.  The typical pre-teen attitude, ‘forgetting’ to do what you are asked and to be honest I think your room stays kind of messy.  But through it all, I love you with all my heart.  I may have been young but I could never imagine my life without you.  Dealing with your sister having disabilities has been very rough for you and I know it’s taken a lot of my attention away.  Just know, no matter what I’m always here.
Love,
Mommy