Well, today I have an offical 16 year old daughter. She is no longer the little girl who used to cry if I didn't put the Barney tape in, eat hotdogs and frozen peas every day for lunch, or let me put her hair up and "fluff" her bangs.
I remember when I gave birth to Betsy. After I had her I was so drained that I didn't get to see her for a few hours. I remember waking up alone in my room, as dh and the gang went to the cafeteria for dinner. I pressed the call button and asked the nurse if I could see my baby. I had just turned 19 the week before, and I was a bit nervous about being a mom....that is until they brought her to me. It felt as though the "mom gene" must have kicked in the moment they placed her in my arms. I will never forget seeing her for the first time. She was awake, and so quiet, intently studying me with the biggest blue eyes I had ever seen. I remember kissing her and smelling her....I remember looking at her little hands and checking to see if she had the "Barnett" crooked pinkie finger, which she did. I wanted to unwrap her from her blanket, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it back on! I did anyway, and she had 10 fingers and 10 toes....I don't think I have ever felt that way since....such awe that God had placed into my hands and heart and life, this little creature. She was mine forever, and I felt complete.
It seems like only yesterday, and at the same time feels like eons ago that I cradled her in my arms. Things have changed, she has changed. She is on the road to a new life now....one where mom isn't needed as much, or should I say, in the same capacity. Our roles are shifting and we are doing our best to adjust. All I want for Betsy is for her to be herself....to have her own ideas and feelings and to own them. To stand for what she believes and not follow others "just because". I want her to smile and laugh and enjoy life....to embrace each day as new and full of possibilities. I want everything for her....and would do anything to make it possible. I am proud of her, and love her more than words could ever convey....I am the one who has been blessed....Happy Birthday to my "first" baby....I love you!
~Mom
22 comments:
Oh, what a beautiful story. You made me remember the day my first was born. What a feeling it is. Thank you so much for sharing! Kim
I remember like it was yesterdau...an eon ago...too. I don't think it's something that could easily fade our memories...lovely story...:)
Jackie
Ah...you're the best! She will need you forever.
Awww,that was the sweetest thing ever Sherry.Happy Birthday Betsy!KIM
How beautiful Sherry! Brings a tear to my eye! Well, I mean, it will bring one to my eye once my 12 year old is through this PUBERTY!! I don't know how you or Betsy made it out alive! This is the main reason to celebrate her turning 16! LOL!
Hugs and love, Lisa
I know I feel the same about my baby. 23 and 16. Soo long ago yet on ly a second went by. great pics thanks for sharing it with us. Lori
It is a miracle when they first place those little people into our arms and so hard to believe they were ever that small once they hit their teens. {{{{}}}}
This was very sweet. You and your daughter are lucky to have each other. Happy Birthday!
~Heather
http://journals.aol.com/emeraldcalf/ThisnThat
Happy birthday to your not so little gir. : )
That was very sweet, Sherry! Happy birthday, Betsy. Kyla :o)
The feeling when you hold your 1st born is the best in the world. Reading your memories brought back all of mine, what you wrote was beautiful, thank you .........Jules xx
I always feel birthdays should be celebrated with both mothers and kids. For it was a special day for you both. And one that you are proud of. You've done great mom. Hugs Lanny
Beautiful entry to your daughter :) Time does go by fast but the memories are always there.
Thank you so much Mom.. 16..wow..yea..old..I know. lol My gosh, I remember when I was that young, wish I still was, it was so care free and no worries. But 16, I'm getting used to it. Thanks so much for all you've done for me and given me. I love you Mom.
~Betsy~
She will always be your baby, no matter what. There will be times she may wander off, but you will always be her safe haven. Moms are where its at.
Happy Birthday to your Betsy! Hope she enjoys being a "grown up" & has many more happy birthdays!
What a beaurtiful entry! Happy Birthday Betsy!!! May all your dreams come true!! :o) Juile
Happy Birthday to your "baby." (I thought I lost you forever because my link stopped working, but I figured out how to fix it! Glad to be back!) Melodee at Melodee128.blogspot.com
I have not ever responded to you before because this is all new to me but I just had to reply to your letter. How wonderful it was. I have 4 daughters myself and this was just beautiful. I hope that Betsy has many wonderful birthdays to come and that she knows how lucky she is to have a mom like you. And by the way I hope this opened your eyes to parents of the opposite sex of your daughter. I have had many suprises where that is concerned. Not much suprises me any more where that is concerned. Have a great day!
Happy birthday, Betsy! This is such a sweet entry--babies don't stay babies long enough! Love, Kim
Bestsy is beautiful. I love the hat. I love the chair, I want one! LOL and the cake is pretty and how sweet that she used the same thing on her cake as her mom and aunt did.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSY
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