Happy Birthday Baby!

Oh, my... my baby is 12 years old.  I cannot believe it.  Like seriously, I can't believe it.  She's old now.  No longer my "baby".  I mean, heck, she's taller than Elisan now and edging in on me.

I love this kid with all of my heart.  Truly.  But, if I had to be honest, and I will be... Kyla is a hard child to parent.  She is stubborn, hard-headed, know it all, head strong and intense.  She shuts down when she is tired or hungry (hangry anyone?) and is ALL about her friends these days.  I can hardly get a hug from her anymore.

There are days when I get frustrated, knowing that I don't know how to parent her the way she needs to be parented.  But, I'm working on it.  I'm praying more about it more.  The truth is, she is a remarkable kid who is driven, intelligent, hard working and stinking funny.

She is gorgeous and could seriously be a model because she is so comfortable in front of the camera.  She is crazy athletic.  In fact, one gentleman at the recent volleyball game pointed Kyla out of the crowd of other players commenting how naturally athletic she was, without knowing that she was my daughter.

Kyla, your future is bright.  Use your hard headedness to your benefit.  Keep your standards high and reach for the stars.  You can do anything you put your mind to.

I love you, my baby.