Happy Birthday, Lulu!

Today, my baby girl is 19...where has the time gone?? It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. She wasn't supposed to be born until June, but impatient little stinker that she was, she arrived 4 weeks early.

What a beauty. She had the most beautiful blue eyes, and the most precious curls. I always wanted a little girl with blue eyes and blonde curly hair, but when I married Gus (with his dark hair and brown eyes), I figured there wasn't much chance of that happening. I was wrong.

When she was around 3 years old, she came out of the kitchen crying. When I asked her what was wrong - she showed me a smashed egg on the floor - and on the seat of her shorts. We had read a story about baby chickens and she decided that she would like to have one. So she got an egg out of the refrigerator and attempted to sit on it like a mother hen. She is embarrassed by that story, but I think it just shows how creative and clever she was even at such a young age.

This four-year-old Lulu is the Lulu I see when I look at her now - all big blue eyes, bouncy curls, and a smile that will melt your heart. That's the little girl who used to climb onto my lap for hugs and kisses and to read a book.

Lulu received Wags as a Christmas gift from us when she was 5 years old. Her class at school had a Wags, and each child got to take him home for a weekend. She loved him so much that when we found one, we bought it for her. As you can see, Wags is still around and he still has a place of honor in her room. I think this may be her favorite gift of all time. She loves her Wags.

This is right around the time that boys started noticing her. I mean really noticing her. They haven't stopped, much to Gus's dismay. I think he remembers what it's like to be that age...and he doesn't like guys having those thoughts directed towards his little girl. Funny how they never think about a girl being someone's daughter until they have a daughter of their own, huh?

She's a beauty, isn't she? When it comes to Lulu, beauty isn't just skin deep. Everything about her is beautiful - her smile, her heart, her soul.

Happy birthday, Lulubelle. I am so blessed to have you as a daughter. Sometimes I miss the little girl you used to be, but I have so enjoyed watching you grow into the young woman you are today. You're my precious baby girl and I am so proud to be your mom.

Love, Mom

P.S. Stop stealing my make-up.

P.S.S. At least you can't wear my shoes.  :-)