Happy Birthday Ashley!!!

Dear Ashley,

October 18th, 1998
That's the day we welcomed you to our world, and our lives changed forever.



Seven pounds and 8 ounces of sweetness! I won't ever forget that magical "swoosh" as you entered our world. You were a bit colicky at first, but soon blossomed into a happy, healthy, roly-poly Gerber baby!

I miss your curly, curly locks.


You are my girly-girl. Thank goodness I got one of those! You love to play dress-up, and play with make-up. You want to be a pop star someday. I definitely see voice lessons on the horizon.

You are a terrific big sister. I know your little sister works your nerves some days--then you both work mine--but you are sweet and thoughtful, and often willing to share.


You are my snuggle bug--love to cuddle, and give hugs, and show affection (something I need to work on receiving better).


You love to draw, and I think you're pretty talented at it. You're very creative. You enjoy science--suprised me, since it's definitely not my subject of choice. You're an awesome reader--that one doesn't surprise me, because I enjoy it so much too.

Just where have the last ten years gone? Could you please stop getting bigger now? You're already over halfway to the point where you'll be leaving our nest. Already almost a teenager.
You're blossoming into a beautiful young woman. You are kind and thoughtful, generous to a fault.
I'm going to get all soft and sentimental now. I haven't done all the things I dreamed of doing with you. I feel most days like I'm too hard on you. I expect so much from you because you're the oldest. When I start to act like that the next time, just remind me to take it easy, and let you enjoy your youth. Heaven knows, it's gone in a flash.
I love you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day, and an even better year ahead.
Happy Birthday sweetPea!!
Love,
Mommy