December 10, 1983…I was holding my newborn baby daughter in my arms  The waiting was finally over, and she was here, all wrinkled and new, just as a newborn should be!

We didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl.  Back then it cost extra to find out, and we didn’t have the “extra funds”, so we just waited.

But, I knew deep in my heart that I was having a girl.  So much so, that when I acknowledged the doctor after he told me she was a girl, he said, “oh, you already knew, didn’t you?”

No, not officially, just in my heart.

A heart that has been touched over and over again as I have watched my little baby grow and mature into a beautiful young lady.  I’ve heard it said before, but it really is true, not only is she my daughter, she really is my friend.

Today, my little girl holds her own little baby in her arms.   A sweet little boy.  At times it’s just too surreal, and words just seem to escape me when I see him in her arms.  My heart fills up, and overflows, usually resulting with a happy tear in my eye.

As I watch her learn and adapt to her new role in life, I must confess, she makes me very proud.  She is not afraid to take on life challenges, and she is finding that the simple, little moments in life can often be the best.

When she was little, she was every bit girl.  All giggles and smiles, ribbons and bows, dolls and dresses.  Her love for life was infectious, and she made people smile wherever she went.

Today, she is every bit a lady!

She’s left behind the ribbons and bows, but she still loves a pretty dress, and some high-heeled shoes! Her outlook on life is always positive. She looks for the good in others, and is a sincere and loyal friend. She has made the choice to overlook the negatives of  life, and focus on the brighter, happier, more positive aspects of life.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter!  I love you so very much! You bring joy to my heart!

Keep smiling that beautiful smile!