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Friday, October 23, 2009

Happy Sweet Sixteen


On October 25, 1993, my life was changed forever. On this day at 11:27 a.m. I became a Mommy. Nine months earlier my husband and I had gone out to celebrate our 6-month anniversary as newlyweds. Turns out that what comes right after a plate of green chili enchiladas and one too many frozen margaritas, followed by a Mambo around the dance floor in a pink velvet sombrero is . . . . A baby!

When I was preggers with my first child, I totally took advantage of my condition and played the "eat everything that doesn't move out of your way card." The final trimester of my pregnancy I weighed the rough estimate of a Cadillac Escalade. I began each of my remaining weeks dropping by my OBGYN's office pleading for an inducement because I felt that the baby was getting too big and if I bumped into a sharp object I might burst into flames, Hindenburg style. This request was met with the accusation that I had just gained too much weight and the baby weighed 7 lbs. at the most. So, needless to say, when my doctor handed me our 10 lb 5 oz. baby girl type-person I got the pleasure of an "I told you so" moment and I recall throwing in a "Bite Me!" just for funzzies. This was a period of my life where I felt that peppering in phrases like "bite me!", empowered me somehow. Okay, so I was on the wrong side of that argument, but at the time and given the situation, I felt justified.

I shared that story, to tell you this one - My baby girl type-person, Olivia, is celebrating her sweet 16th birthday on Sunday. This year we are using words like driving and college around our house. Those words used in the same sentence with my daughter's name make my brains want to start pouring out of my ears. It seems like just last week I was telling her to take her binky out of her mouth so that I could understand what she was saying and playing "Beath-ed" - which is how 'beast' sounds when one has a pacifier in one's mouth. "Beath-ed" was what Olivia called her favorite-est "moobie" in the "word" - Beauty and the Beast. Usually her Daddy played the part of the Beast and I was cast as Mrs. Potts or Lumiere. (If given the choice. I usually chose to be the slender candlestick with a great French accent instead of the Ruben-esque tea pot - I'm vain like that.)

I adore every thing about you, my darlin girl, and on that you can count, for the rest of your days! I will never care if you know someone who knows someone, if you are an A-list, a B-list or a "Never-heard-of-you" list. What I will always love and care about are each and every word, thought. and idea that flutters from your extraordinary mind. Ever since the first day that I'd known about you, I couldn't wait to meet you, and with each additional year, your beauty, your talents, and your aspirations grow. I am overwhelmed by the love I have for you.

Happy Birthday you precious jewel, I love you to pieces! (you meeces!)

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20 comments:

Mindy said...

Such a sweet post. Happy Birthday, girl child! ~Mindy

Bluebird said...

awww! how sweet! Olivia looks just like you...and you are both gorgeous! thanks for sharing!

trash talk said...

I guarantee this girl will definitely be on an A-List someday! She's a beauty and a charmer. On another note...at least you got a margarita! The last thing I remember was tossing and turning in my sleep one night and ended up with Jenn!
Debbie

Thrifted Treasure said...

Lovely post :-) You must have been practically a baby yourself when you had her, you look way too young to have a 16 year old daughter!

Unknown said...

Thanks for leaving all of your birthday wishes for Liv - I'll pass them on!

###### said...

welcome to the next chapter. happy birthday!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...SHE LOOKS THE IMAGE OF YOU

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Happy Birthday, Livy,have a great day.
I don't think any of us can imagine where the years go...my children are now 30 and 28.....seems like only yesterday that it was their first day at school !!!! XXXX

The Flying Bee said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet girl! She is beautiful! I hope her b-day is the best. Yeah, I know all about celebrating, throwing back a few with your hubby and then having a little surprise the next month!

~adrienne

Greet Lefèvre said...

Happy Birthday Livy!
It is such a wonderful age! Sweet sixteen!!!

Hugs and kisses for you and your mum!
Greet

Inspired Comblogulations said...

Liv's beautiful, I wanted a girl, but got boys, they really talk so cute when they are little, my second one spoke japanese for a couple of years, I was the only one that could understand him. They grow up so fast! Hope her day was perfect and one she will always remember. You look so much alike. Happy Birthday Liv!
Lee

Annie said...

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Liv. I loved meeting you, talking with you and seeing your shots of the day on you digital at Warrenton. You are one great photographer. Keep up the great life!

Annie

Lesley said...

i love this! I cannot imagine how i'll feel when my baby girl turns 16. whoa! happy birthday to her!

Hill Country House Girl said...

What a sweet post. We are right behind you with a 16th birthday coming up at our house in March! I love all that you said about how you love your girl - very, very precious words and she is blessed to have you as a mom!

The Elegant Thrifter said...

My goodness...all beauties....hope it was a fun one! xo Stan

Elissa - said...

Hi Lovely post we are a couple of years behind you but as you have found the time goes so fast! Doesn't seem five minutes that my baby was running around the lounge in her fairy costume, she is 14 and hates that story!:-)
Happy birthday to your baby! x

Pinecone Camp said...

What a adorable post! A belated happy birthday to your cute little girl!

escapade said...

What a sweet picture of you two
Happy 16th birthday to your little one!!

EdibleMarie said...

Funny writing! Bookmarking you.

Unknown said...

I've pasted on all of your birthday wishes to Olivia and she sends her thanks to all of your darlin' creatures!