15 years ago....

....the most beautiful 'lil angel in the world was born.

Yes, baby, you!!

We didn't know it at the time, but there you were, just a bundle of joy, not knowing that one day you'd be in another family.

The world is a better place because you are in it and as hard as it is to let you grow up and not be a kid, it's also so rewarding.


14 was a great year though.

Some things we did when you were 14:

For your 14th birthday, we threw a pool party. Of course.  K spent the entire weekend with us.  At that point she practically lived with us.

You'd just gotten your boot off only days before your 14th birthday.

We went to the Great Smokies in August and took your BFF K with us.  We rode a scenic train first class. It was an amazing trip and we'd love to do something similar again.

You finished your last year of middle school.

We went to Kitty Hawk Beach in October to get away from a hurricane. We took BFF K with us. How odd to go TO a beach to get AWAY from a hurricane.  The photos from that trip are so much different from other vacations we took. The relaxed look on your face, it's obvious you truly feel at home and comfortable now.

We had a miff later that month with BFF K's mom and things have been strained for awhile with K as a result and less time.

We took you and another friend to see Mannheimm Steamroller to start off the holiday season right before Thanksgiving.

We took you and that friend to see the Nutcracker Ballet in December.

Your uncle finally visited from Germany. It was the first time you'd met him. He hadn't been home since before we met you. He surprised us just days before Christmas.

We went to a local heritage museum that was decorated for the holidays and did a ton of things over the holidays.

We took water aerobics together and you asked the lifeguard to take a selfie with you.  As shy as you are about starting conversations, this was a big deal.

We went to see Annie on Broadway in January. I had concerns about the similarilities in your story, but the thing that bugged you most was when you thought her dog would go hungry or get caught by the dog catcher.

There was alot of snow in January and you and Lucifer loved hanging out in it on your days off school. You also played in mud puddles and reverted to your childhood for awhile, which always makes your momma smile. It's important to do all these milestones you were suppose to have.

In February, we went to an art museum.  We went to see Disney Live.  You had a playdate with your sister and we went tubing. It was the first playdate since the fiasco when you were 13.  We also adopted  Maggie Pie.  How on Earth you talked us into getting a cat is beyond me, you spoiled baby!!

In March, Ms Maggie died.  This was really tough on you and you were afraid others that you love would leave you and tried to push us away until we found ways to help you process it.

You also sprained your ankle again, which was not suppose to happen, given your surgery to fix this weak ankle last year.

May brought graduation from 8th grade, but not without a few bumps along the road.   While there was never danger of you failing or anything, you did struggle some in 8th grade  So many stressors, so much activity.  We got plans put in place at school for your anxiety.

June.....wow!! What to say about June. We went to Tybee Island. You got to meet Last Mom's Daughter.  This was the first time you ever showed excitement about going on vacation. You did great.  You were happy to get back to Lucifer and as always missed him, but you were a rock star and embraced vacation and loved your new friend.

We hid a mysterious letter in the vintage suitcase in the attic there and made plans for your return on your honeymoon to see if the letter was still there.

We had tons of momma/daughter time.

Your sister wasn't able to attend your party for your 15th birthday. She went to an adoption party, hoping to meet her future family and one day be as secure as you.

Momma and daddy were amazed at the turnout at your party and how popular you've become in just one year.  Kids were begging to stay and miffed that you only invited one to spend the night.

I enjoyed being your momma this year. Well, I enjoy being your momma anyway, but 14 was a really fun year for us!! I love you sweetie, happy birthday!