dear daisy,

Today you are thirteen years old. This does not seem possible! We were so young and had so much to learn when we found out you were on the way. Your dad and I were such different people then. We have learned and grown right alongside you these thirteen years- watching you with pride as you have become the wonderful person you are today. We made (and probably will continue to make) a lot of mistakes- since every single thing we go through with you is new to us! Your sisters and brother get the benefit of having experienced parents as they reach all the milestones of childhood, but you get the excitement of being the first at everything. Sometimes that is lots of fun, and sometimes it is pretty scary. I know from experience that it can be tough being the oldest kid, but I think you handle it pretty well most days. I am very proud of you.

The coming year is going to be so awesome! You have shown us that you are trustworthy and mature enough to handle responsibility and certain freedoms that go along with getting older. We really love that you are getting lots of opportunities to go places and do fun things with your friends and groups of kids your age. I think your upcoming trip to Minnesota is going to be amazing- although I'm a little sad to think I'm putting my little girl on a plane, and a traveled young lady will be coming back to me instead. I'm very proud that we can be so confident in your ability to carry yourself and behave responsibly while you are away from us. I know you are going to have so much fun! Try not to grow up too much while you are away though.

One last thing- I want you to always remember that your voice is important to us in this family. Even though it might seem like the little kids are always top priority- you are so special to us and we want to know your thoughts and feelings about stuff. You are always welcome to talk to us about anything, and we will always have time for you and whatever is important in your life. We love you more than you will ever know- our very first baby, now a teenager stepping into a new chapter in life!

Happy birthday, Daisy Girl. You ROCK!

XOXO
Love, Mom