Twenty-three years ago a doctor handed me a baby girl and in that instant my life changed.  I went from being a selfish, self absorbed girl to being a little less selfish and less self absorbed Mom.

I never realized just how much this tiny little person would change my world.  I didn't understand the impact that this five pound, dark haired beauty would have on me.   Suddenly everything took on a much bigger meaning.  I thought differently, considered everything differently.

At 23 years old I became a grown up.  Not to say I didn't make some incredibly stupid decisions after that, I did, but everything changed in that moment twenty-three years ago.

I was so scared I would break her — she was so tiny.  I was stunned the hospital people let me have her.  I didn't have a clue what to do with her.  I'd never been around babies and guess what, she didn't come with instructions.  I fumbled my way through those first days, weeks, months and years.  We survived, both of us.

When I think back to the days of diapers, first words, and first steps, I can't believe it passed by so quickly.  I remember  Christmas morning the year she turned four and how excited she was at all  Santa hand left for her.  I remember first days of school,  the first school dance, first day to drive alone, and so many other firsts.  I didn't appreciate them, but that's parenting. It's tough while you're doing it and seems as if it will go on forever, but it won't.

It feels like I blinked and she grew up.    It wasn't that easy or that fast.  I remember many days I tried to resign from the parent job – but I couldn't find anyone to take my letter of resignation.  I remember those TOUGH middle school years when I thought I'd lose either my mind or sanity — or both.

I remembered those last days of high school when it hit me she was growing up.

I remember her wedding day and how much fun we had.

My days of having her under my feet and my roof flew by so quickly.  I miss them now.  I miss having her in my house and hearing her constant chatter that has filled my life since she spoke her first words.  Oh, she still chatters but it's on the phone and it's different.  Of course, I see her all the time and she works just down the street if I need a chatter fix, but it's not the same.

Twenty three years ago today I went from being just a girl to being her Mom.  This wild, funny, adorable creature has made me a better person and this world a better place with her laughter, her smile and her heart.  It's a blast to be her Mom.

Happy Birthday Charity!  I can't wait to see where the Lord leads you in the year to come.

Love you bunches and back!

Your Mom!