18 years ago

October 5, 1992 this little cutie arrived.

Scary, difficult birth and aftermath, but worth it all.

From the beginning, she had this little twinkle in her eye when she smiled.
And she had a different way of doing things.
Like:
Using 2 Binkies at once.
Sitting in the dog's water dish to cool off.
Walking a mile- alone & barefoot to see her best friend.
The list goes on.

She's always loved the outdoors - hikes, picnics and camping
She loved all creatures, including snakes, bugs and all animals.
She loved taking off her clothes (age 3) and running through the church parking lot.

She didn't love getting her hair fixed or dressing up.
Or...
doing chores, putting on make-up, or doing girlie stuff.
She definitely didn't love dancing with Super Steppers
(as she had too many elbows and knees to control.

She started growing up.
She learned that she loved music and most especially, her saxophone, then the piano.

She started to like doing her hair and dressing up.

She started to like boys, but still didn't like make-up.

She loves sports and soccer. Did I say she LOVES soccer?
She loves being goalie for her high school team.

But, even though she's 18 now and a BEAUTIFUL young lady,
she still likes all those fun things, like
being outdoors, catching snakes, and walking around on stilts.

This girl has been a blessing in my life (as are ALL my children, but this post is about Jessica - meli!)
She has a smile that soothes.
She has a gentle touch.
She has a loving heart.
She feels deeply and loves even deeper.
She is strong as an oak, and soft as a kitty cat.
And smart! Boy, is this girl smart!!
And hard-working.

Jess - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I love you a MILLION!!