Happiness and Tears . . . A 15th Birthday Tale

I looked at my husband yesterday, and through tears said, 

"Tomorrow we will have a 15 year old".

Time is such a funny thing, because, I swear, I remember being 15.

Like it was yesterday.

Studying for my permit test.

Starting my Sophomore year.

Like it was YESTERDAY.

I remember fifteen years ago.

Calling my midwife and telling her we were on our way to the hospital.

Walking the halls of the labor and delivery floor at Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

And then a few hours later, holding my tiny little 7lb. 6oz. baby girl.

And here we are, fifteen years later.

It simultaneously makes my heart burst with joy, and want to split in two.

My oldest baby girl, Happy 15th Birthday to YOU!

You are beautiful, smart, intuitive, organized.

You love hard, and are fiercely loyal.

You are dedicated, and hard-working.

And I am BEYOND excited to see where the future leads you.

Whatever your path, I know you will go far with God to lead your way.

Wishing you the very happiest birthday, and year to come!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sissy Gets Her Top Braces Off!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 12th Birthday, Miss Sierra Elizabeth

 Ohhhkay.  Deep Breath.

 

My baby girl is 12 today.
 

I can't even say those words out loud without tears springing to my eyes
{I guess I can't even say it in my head, either, because ~ yeah ~ tears}.

 

 

Miss Sierra Elizabeth,
Our oldest baby girl.
The biggest big sissy.
You are twelve today.
And what a milestone that is.
 

You are the one I can count on for help in any situation.
 

The planner.
The organizer.
You are an old soul.


I always joke that when you are grown with a family of your own, you'll run a mighty tight ship.
You expect a lot.

But deep down, you have a tremendous love for others.
Miss Tay, for example.  She thinks you're about the greatest thing on earth.
And I think the feeling is mutual :)

 

You are my beautiful dancer.
I could watch you dance every day {and I guess I do!  You're always dancin' around}.

 

You love to have fun!
You are always up for a new adventure . . .

 

And while you are super comfy in your camo, sitting in a blind, hunting with Daddy,

 

 You are equally comfy in your dressiest dress, hair curled, earrings in, glammin' it up.

 

You are a perfect combination!

 

You love to go on nature walks,
photograph everything,
shop till you drop,
and write in your journal.

 

You are growing into a beautiful young lady, right before our very eyes.
 

And while I couldn't be prouder of who you are becoming,
 

I would be lying if I said it didn't make me a little sad too.
Sometimes I wish I could keep you just as you are.
Right here with me.

Love you so very much, baby girl!
Happiest birthday ♥


 

 

Braces on!

Sierra got her braces this week.

This just seems like such a grown up thing.
Another milestone among the many we've had lately.
 

She was so excited to be able to choose her colors.
She and Daddy had discussed the options, in depth, the night before.

The last "before" photo :(
She will never look like this again.
 

The brackets . . . on!
 

 

Big Cow & Little Cow . . . these two stuffies have come along to EVERY

dental appointment Sierra has ever had :)
 

And finally . . . new beginnings.

Now ~ deep breath . . . I have a baby turning 5 in less than a week.
{Sob!}

Wordless Wednesday ~ Rainy Day Photo Shoots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

♥ Happy 11th Birthday, Sierra Elizabeth ♥

 Happy Birthday, to my sweet, oldest baby girl ~ Sierra Elizabeth.

So.  I have a rough time whenever any of my babies turn a whole year older,
but I think it's harder with Sierra.  She's my first baby girl. 
My baby who made me a Mama. 
We have so so many memories together.

Miss Sierra Elizabeth . . .
You are eleven years old today.
Sigh.

 

You are turning into such a mature and lovely young lady.
Of course, part of being so mature at such a young age means that you
often have to deal with things that are beyond your years. 
It amazes me what you pick up on sometimes.
You are so perceptive, and a bit of a worrier {like your Mama}.
 

I truly can count on you for anything.
You are the most organized eleven year old I have ever encountered.
I always chuckle that you will run a mighty tight ship when you get older.
You expect a lot out of others.
And you can be pretty discouraged when they don't live up to your expectations.
I know someone else who has trouble with that {cough.ME.cough}.
But I think that's because you are so giving of your time, and you care so much . . .
you are disappointed when others don't return your same passion.

 

 

You are a GIRLY girl. 
You and I have very much the same taste in . . . everything.
We both choose classy over trendy.
You are very feminine.
But you also love to have fun.
In some ways you are far more adventurous than I ever was.
But you like to stick pretty close to home.
And I love that you love to spend time outdoors with your Daddy.
He loves it too :)

 

You love to dance, and you are so graceful.
I just love watching you onstage.
 

 

 

 You are growing into such a beautiful young lady.
Inside and out.
Love you bigger than the sky, sweet girl!
Happy Birthday!!!

 

  

 

 

 

 

Celebrations

We had such a fun birthday weekend!

 

We partied with family on Sunday, the day before Sierra's birthday. 

 

 

A little cake, ice cream, and presents.
 

 

 

And lots of time spent with family.
 

 

On Monday, we got ready for a sleepover with friends.
First stop: Pizza pick-up
 

Then back home to dress for our pageant party :)
 

Crowns, Sashes, Evening Gowns, and about a million old pageants recorded on VHS. 
What fun!
 

 

Sierra's already planning our next party ;) 

 

 

A Decade

I cannot believe my oldest baby is ten years old today.

 Ten.

  One decade.

Crazy.

Sometimes it feels like just yesterday I was telling Jeremy, "Uh, hun. I think it's time to go to the hospital".

 Other times . . . Life before Sierra? It seems like a different life. A whole other lifetime that I can't really remember.

Sierra Elizabeth ~ You are my oldest daughter. My first baby. You made me a mama. Something I had been dreaming about since I was a tiny girl.

Life is sweeter with you in it, my Love.

♥ A little walk down memory lane seems in order on this monumental birthday. ♥

Hawaii 2006

Sledding!

4th of July Parade 2008

Christmas 2010

Big Sissy x3!

First Day of 4th grade, 2011

A sweet moment with Papa

Lovin' on the Baby Sis.

In His word.

My Dancing Girl.

June 2012

Happy 10th Birthday, Baby Girl.  I love you so very much.