Happy Birthday Lauren

Dear Lauren,

Fourteen years ago today, at 8:52 a.m., we met for the first time. The first thing I said as I sat staring at you in awe, "It has his (your father's) nose." So, I was reminiscing a bit this morning about how we've celebrated this day over the years...

Your first birthday we celebrated as a double-birthday with your friend Claudia, whose birthday was four days before yours. Do you even remember Claudia? I love looking back at the pictures from that day...you were both stripped down to your diapers, strapped in your high chairs with cake from one end to the other. I remember you had an allergic reaction, which I think we concluded was most likely from the hot-pink dye used in the frosting, and broke out in an entire body rash. Then, I believe it was your fourth birthday, you invited several friends from your preschool and we had a party at the Gilbert House. Looking back at those pictures, it was evident you thought you were already big stuff, pigtails and all! When you turned double digits, I wanted to do something really memorable and special. So, we went to the Space Needle in Seattle. Do you remember when you drew that picture and set it on the window? It took about an hour for the Space Needle to make it's full rotation, but about the time we were finished with breakfast, your picture made it's way back to our table. Then there was your twelfth birthday when I had a limo pick you and your friends up from school and spend the night at the Phoenix Grand Hotel. Even the suite seemed pretty small with eight girls running wild. If I remember correctly, I don't think any of you actually slept at all that night. You certainly gave the hotel staff a run for their money! And now, at fourteen, you just asked to go shopping and then out to dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Even though this year seems to pale in comparison to your past birthdays, I hope the day is still special for you. I know this time in a girls life can seem uncertain and confusing. Rest assured, you are an amazing girl and will weather these years and soon look back with great affection as I do. You are the most generous person I know. From the time you were a tiny girl, every time we made a trip to the store, you would bring with you all the money from your piggy bank. You would usually buy candy or stickers and divide them up equally between everyone. You are also one of the funniest people I know. You have an odd sense of humor equal only to my own. As you are learning, and will continue to learn...the vast majority of the population doesn't understand us! That's okay though, it's more fun that way. You are growing up to be an amazing young woman, and are every bit as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.

I know this post is all about you...but I had to add the picture of you and Annie, who so eloquently define a love-hate relationship, and of course a picture of Claire. After all, you live in a house full of girls, you've learned to share the spotlight...right? Happy birthday Lauren...I love you.