My Darling Lorraine, on your birthday

Dear Lorraine,

Happy, happy birthday to you, my first baby.

Ten years ago today, you changed my world. You were my baby, and I was your mommy. Has it really been ten years since our newborn "honeymoon" days, when I'd change your frilly outfits just for fun, and spend hours just  watching you make funny baby faces?

We don't spend so much time staring into each others eyes any longer, but we do things that are even more fun, like night bounces on the trampoline, snuggling up with chapter books, and climbing trees.

I'm so glad we got to have that "girls night" at the hotel with Aggie to celebrate this big milestone!  Sometimes I feel like I spend so much time managing the littlest boys that I don't get a chance to connect with you.  It was so nice to get away and do that! And you girls are terrific shopping buddies, by the way! I loved watching you try on dresses and spin in front of the mirror, and I loved that you made me do it too!

I love the way you give me that knowing look when your brothers are being difficult. As you leave for school, you often say, "I'll definitely be praying for you today mama. Looks like you need it." You are old enough to know that, and to know that I am imperfect. You see my failings mixed in with my mothering.  Yet you love me, and I love that about you. I pray that my failings do not cloud your image of God your Father, but instead point to Him and our need for grace.

God is growing you into a beautiful young lady.  And you delight in your own beauty. I like that about you. I saw the way you looked at yourself in the mirror at the store, as if you could suddenly see yourself as a young woman.  And I see it, too. It scares me, because there are so many dangers out there. But our God is good, and He has his hand on you.  And as I pray my worries to Him, He teaches me to delight in the changes, in the beauty.

Girly!
Yes, those are heels on me,
but only because we didn't have to leave the house that night!

Happy tenth birthday, my dear Lorraine.

Love, Mom