11 years old. Wow. Time sure has flown by my little lady.
I can still picture the moment that you were born and placed in to my arms for the very first time.
I can still picture you as a toddler, that constant energy that had this mom always on her toes.
And now you’ll be heading to middle school, and that right there is so hard to fathom. But I have zero worries that you will do so great, your drive to learn and do your best is something I’ll always admire.
I have it all memorized, the curve of your nose, that sweetness in your smile. But I’ve noticed that you’ve grown; that you’ve gotten older. That ounce of teenager ready to come out from under the surface.
In the past year, my shy Kaylei-bug has morphed in to one independent, proud-to-stand-tall girl, more so than I ever would have dreamed. You are both confident and stubborn, intelligent and silly, strong and beautiful, kind and curious, but you know that there is still so much more to learn.
I’d love to think that I could place a permanent hold on who you are at this very moment….the silly giggles, the small tantrums, the hormones just beginning to debut, but I know that would be selfish and you are meant to continue growing, adventuring in to the young girl and then eventually the young woman you will become. Each little step you are taking along the way is helping you build the character that would help you embrace adulthood. I’m the luckiest to be able to witness it, to learn from you and to be there holding your hand along the way.
You have brought me immeasurable joy in the last eleven years and I can’t wait to see what this new year will bring. Eleven years ago, I held you for the very first time and began to learn who you were. I’m so incredibly proud of you Kaylei-bug.
Happy 11th birthday!
I love you. To the moon and back.
Your perfectly, imperfect mother.
Okay To Be Shay 