Eighteen

Eighteen years ago today I became a momma. After months of wondering what kind of personality she would have, what color hair and eyes she would have, she was finally here. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. She was perfect. I took one look at her and fell in love instantly, and that love has only intensified as the years have passed. The moment I held her in my arms for the first time, I knew it was a love I had never experienced before.

Today, eighteen years later, Emma is full of love, light, and joy. We love her for her kindness, creativity, quirkiness, and for everything she brings to our family. She is smart, witty, and wise. She loves unconditionally and with all her heart. She is passionate about the things that matter to her and displays fierce loyalty to her friends and family.

It's true. Every word everyone tells you about how fast it goes. In the blink of an eye, you've sent them off to kindergarten, middle school, and high school. You look back and wonder where the time has gone and who stole the moments from you when you weren't looking.

As we celebrate this milestone birthday, we are reminded of the strange times we are living in. While these aren't the ideal conditions under which to celebrate welcoming her into adulthood, we are doing our best to make it a memorable birthday (but something tells me she won't be forgetting this one). It's scary to know that we are sending her out into the world as an adult, period. But to know that we are sending her out to an uncertain and a world of unknowns is even scarier in this age of COVID-19.

No matter the situation or conditions, I am excited for her to turn the page and start a new chapter. I can't wait for her to explore new paths, meet new people, and continue to grow and thrive. No matter what she does, I'll always be proud of her.

My dad always said that the days are long and the years are short. I never knew exactly what he meant until I had children. Once you become a parent, the years fly. I wish he were here today to see what an amazing young woman she has become. I know my parents would be proud of her and of me.