Last month my baby girl celebrated her 9th birthday!!!

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9 years ago, when I held my baby girl in my arms for the 1st time, I felt a love I’d had never experienced before.  I never could have fathomed loving her more than I did at that moment…but I do.

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I have loved my baby girl for almost 10 years now (because that love started the moment I found out I was pregnant) and in that time she continuously fills my heart with an unspeakable joy & pride. She has an amazing smile that lights up a room, a laugh (that when genuine) makes her face beam and causes me to laugh with her, a caring heart that won’t allow her to choose sides when asked who she loves her more and a love for Jesus that extends to her family and friends through her actions…I could go on and on about just how wonderful I think she is but overall, she is truly a blessing!

As I process try to process that my daughter is 9, it’s hard to do. Honestly, I can’t help but think that she is only 1 year away from double digits, 4 years away from being a teen, 6 years away from celebrating her quinces (15’s) and 9 years away from being a legal adult that heads off to college. I just can’t deal! Yes, these are all the things that have run through my mind. You may be thinking that it years down the road, and you’re right, BUT I know that those 9 years will fly by because I have seen how quickly these last 9 years have gone.

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My baby girl, is no longer a “baby” (insert tears here)

My days of carrying her are gone, unless I want to destroy my back. Her little hands are not so little and they now catch your eye with whatever nail polish she has on. Every outfit involves accessories and too much time spent in the bathroom getting her hair just right. Oh, and she’s almost as tall as me.

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I look at her and all I see before me is a beautiful girl that I am so immensely proud of.

Thankfully, she still needs her Mami (to cook, do her laundry, drive her around…to hold her hand, to talk to and comfort her when she needs it) and actually wants to be around me (for whatever her reasons). I just take that all in and enjoy while I can, with the hopes that always feels that way. Words can never express just how much I love her and how much she means to me. All I can say is…

Baby Girl,

I am extremely thankful for the 9 years we have spent together, you never cease to amaze me. I look forward to a lifetime of birthday celebrations with you. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you safe. I love you more than you’ll ever know Mamita!!!

Love,

Mami

P.S. While I acknowledge that there’s nothing “baby” about you anymore, nothing…you will ALWAYS be my “baby girl”.

P.P.S. Stop growing up so fast!!!!!  What’s the rush???

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