"It's ME- and it's 6:39 am!"

These are the words I heard as I picked up the phone on March 28th at work, 6:39am. On the other end of the line was my newly-minted NINE-YEAR-OLD. She called to say that she needed to talk to me since I was the only member of the family who wasn't at home, and that she loved me so much she had to call.

The night before, Emily set her alarm so she didn't let the exact minute of her birthday pass her by- and she was successful.

Her brother was busy while we were on the phone (story told to me later)... He was placing this sign- original idea and artwork all his own- over the fireplace so Emily would be sure not to miss it...

She celebrated with the cake of her choice- this year a LION (March had come in like a lamb, and was going out with a boom, so she picked a lion)...





I look at Emily and I am in awe-

• that 9 years ago, she made me a mom
• that I'm the parent of a talented, funny, smart, stubborn, tall, perceptive, thoughtful, pretty, sentimental, loving, creative, free-spirited girl
• that I still get the priviledge to guide her and have her guide me as we both grow up

I'm so darn proud of everything she is and isn't. Can't wait for the rest of the journey- the last 9 years have been amazing!


Happy Birthday, my dear Emily!


Love, Mommy