8 years ago

Eight years ago I was in the Twin Falls Hospital recovering from giving birth to a beautiful 7 1/2 lb baby girl. I couldn't imagine being a mother, I felt so lucky to be able to have this wonderful gift. Today I feel no different, I am still so lucky to have such a beautiful, caring, smart, healthy, energetic little girl. She turns eight today and is with her dad for the weekend, I hope she has a good time.

I started looking through old pictures and it brought tears to my eyes. It amazes me how fast they grow up, I don't remember her being so small and chunky! But then I look at the pictures and all the memories come rushing back, her first words (believe it or not were Please and Thank you, my mom was very big on her having manners!), her first step (which happened on her 1st birthday), and her love of climbing (especially fire hydrants!). Now she is eight and going into 3rd grade, playing fast pitch softball, and soccer and becoming more independent every day. Soon she will be off with friends, dating boys and driving, graduating, going to college, and moving out to start her own family.

I am so proud of the young women she is becoming and can't wait to see what the future holds, but I can't help but wish she would stay my little girl forever.

I love you Monkey and Happy Birthday to you!