26 years ago

my world was rocked and the dust hasn't settled yet. The doctor placed a little baby on my belly and with the announcement, "It's a girl." life as I knew it changed. Forever. For the better.

Andi is my kid through and through. Sometimes, I think we share a brain - and I don't mean that in a bad way. We just think alike on most things. We really enjoy being together, as she often reminds me. Often, as in just about every time we go somewhere together. I know when she gets a certain tone in her voice and says, "Momma...." I pretty much know the next words are going to be something to the effect of, "I'm glad you're my friend." or "I'm glad we like to do things together." And I always smile and nod. Because she's right. I am and we do.

We play together. We laugh together. We bake together. We cry together. We are prayer partners.

I know a lot of what I've gone through with my dad has been even harder on her, because she is thinking about the time when I'm the one who needs caring for. When that time comes, we have agreed that she will put me on an iceberg and set me afloat in the ocean. I'm telling you right now, this is NOT against my will, so don't press any charges against her.

As much of an honor as it has been being Andi's mom, it's even more of an honor (if that's possible) to watch her be a mom. She is an AWESOME mom and sometimes just watching her makes me cry with joy.

Happy birthday, baby girl. Your momma loves you more than you could ever imagine.