My first-born is turning eight today and that brings about mixed feelings. Nah. I lied. It just makes me sad.
I am sad that time sped up once I had baby number two and even more after baby number three. I miss those quiet days when we played School and Hair Salon.
I am sad that she is losing those precious baby teeth that I have grown so fond of seeing whenever she smiled. Or sang. Or told long tales.
I can’t believe she is in the final stretch of second grade. I still remember putting my phone three feet away from her to motivate her to army crawl.
I remember getting a call from her preschool that she had an accident, and I thought my heart was going to jump out of my body from beating so fast. The feeling of wanting needing to do everything I humanly can to protect her and keep her safe was bigger than I could ever imagine.
I remember taking walks with her to save snails from getting squished, picking wildflowers and collecting rocks that I had to mysteriously “lose” because she collected too many.
I remember her twirling in the sunlight with a new skirt and her singing Twinkle Twinkle to cheer up a crying child at the park. She has the biggest heart I know.
One thing that I will never regret is having taken sooooo many photos of her. I’ve documented every First, every newly learned skill, and all the little things that bring tears to my eyes — both the happy and sad kind.
That’s why I love photography and will never stop.
Happy birthday, my Mia Pie. You are one of the most special people I’ve ever met, and I am so blessed to be your mommy.
I love you times infinity.