Happy Birthday, Britt!

Today is the day.  At 5:27am (AM!) 20 years ago, a beautiful 6 lb. 1 oz. (TINY) baby girl joined our young and growing family.  Our first daughter.  You.

You came awfully close to being named Lacy, which was really strange, since it wasn't a name we had ever considered before (or since).  Call it post-partum loss of rational thought on my part.  Thankfully, Dad's persuasive skills came in handy that day.

I could have never imagined fully on that day, what a joy and blessing you would be.

I loved your curly hair, big brown eyes, and cute giggle.  You loved to play with Taylor and his friends, and didn't care much for dolls.  Your favorite toys:  a rocking horse and a bike.  You were a bit of a tom-boy, and didn't like ruffles and frills (yep, Lacy wouldn't have been a good fit).

Then you started school.  My favorite memories:

Mr. Funk's Hillbilly band program

your stress on picture day, and fear of retakes

your impeccable spelling and handwriting

your kindness towards others

As you got older, contacts replaced eye-glasses, and the curls were no longer your favorite look (were they ever?  I would trade you hair any day, you know).  You got highlights.  You took up choir, and marched in the Parade of Lights.  You had your hopes crushed when you tried out for cheerleading and didn't make the team.  You showed strength and determination as you embarked on gymnastics, and ran on the cross country team.

You seemed to skip over most of the drama of middle and high school -- you have an amazing ability to not get caught up in it.  You showed courage as you tried out for cheerleading again, and once you had made the team, worked hard to improve your skills.  You were diligent in your schoolwork, faithful in your religious behavior, a reliable worker, a contributing family member, and a great friend.  

A mother simply couldn't ask for more.

I love you and hope you always remember what an amazing woman you are.  You are blessed with wonderful talents, and the world will be better because of you.  

And, lucky me, I knew you first.

And longest.

Happy 20th Birthday, Britta!

Love, Mom