17 years and 11 hours ago

I became a mother. The first words out of my mouth were, "OH NO, she's gonna be a teenager soon." While the doctor assured me I had time, I knew the time was fleeting.

 These past seventeen years have been sheer joy with that baby girl. I've watched her grow from a rolly polly baby to a chatterbox who never stopped singing, to a toddler who spent her days dressing up and watching over her younger brother.

I've watched her walk into preschool for the first time, without even a wave. She was so excited to get through those school doors. And she hasn't stopped loving school since.

I've had the honor of watching her grow up, of watching her find herself, in her own way. I've watched her become the person she is today. And while she doesn't sing all the time anymore, and talk in her own little language that only she understands, inside her 17 year old self, I still see my little Hannah.

And while I have tears as I write this, I'm so incredibly happy, that she has become her own person (although let's face it, she was from day one!)....that she is becoming ready to go into the real world. And she's done it herself. I was just here to guide her gently along the way. 

Well, sometimes not so gently!

She came into my life for a reason. And I think that reason was to teach me. And among the many things I've learned from Hannah....the main thing was how to really love. How to love one's self and how to love others.

 Hannah always dressed herself and not always in the most stylish way shall we say! She wasn't afraid to express herself. When she was about 4 or 5 she asked me why clothes had to match. I told her that they didn't really have to match, that it was  society and marketing that says they should match. So when it came to an important Christmas Choir concert when she couldn't find matching shoes, she wore mismatched shoes. Of course she was in the front row. Did she care? Nope.

That's one of the million reasons I love that girl. 

 iPhone shot taken yesterday on her actual birthday

 

So Hannah, my dear sweet girl, Happy Happy Birthday to you. And Happy Happy Birth Day to me....for your birth changed my life and made me a better human being.

 

Comments

[Stephen O]

Congratulations Kim! I feel the same way with Sofia, though she has yet to reach 2 years old yet! The unconditional love that one feels for one's child or children is something that every person should be honoured and allowed to feel and experience. It is the most amazing gift that one can receive, and we receive it every day!

[Kim]

Thanks Steve....I know you've enjoyed every second you've had with Sofia so far.

If I remember correctly, you were one of the first people to meet her in the hospital:)

[Chris D]

Happy Birthday/Birth Day to you both. That is a beautiful tribute. You should both keep a copy of that close by - to remind yourselves how lucky you are even when times are tough. You are right Kim - kids are here to be both students AND teachers. I will have your future son-in-law read this too....!!!! LOL!!!!

[Lori]

What a wonderful post Kim!! Roxanne gave me your blog link so I could look at Lisa & Ryan's shots ~ you did such a fabulous job at the wedding and you looked like you were having so much fun while you were doing it! I will never forget you and I leaning against the stage sobbing while Lisa was dancing with her grandfather. I am a new follower and cannot wait to browse through your photos.

[Carol]

A wonderful post Kim :-) As each year passes with Dylan, I am aware of his growing individuality and personality and my role in relation to that. Your post speaks volumes about our role as a parent.

[Alex]

Love this post, you are a lucky mum! she's gorgeous, thanks for sharing... miss you!