My sweet 16 Valentine!!

I've thought for several weeks on just what to say to you today.

I'm not eloquent but oh how I'd give anything to write you a beautiful letter. I'm not a song writer but how I'd love to pen you a wonderful melody. But I'll try to just write from my heart...

I know I've told you how i talked about having a little girl named Savannah before I was ever even married. Your due date was February 28th...however I hoped & I even think I boasted you'd be born in Valentines Day. After all, how sweet & perfect would that be. Went into labor on friday evening, February 12....labored all day the 13th...starting pushing at 10pm that night. I remember grumbling ( labor can make even the most cheerful woman somewhat irritable) that I was bummed we'd miss the valentines day birthday by just a few short hours. I've actually had someone ask, did I 'hold you in'--must have been a man--but sure enough, you were born Sunday February 14th 33 minutes past midnight--my most favorite valentines day gift ever.

Years ago it seemed like it was just you and me carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. I never intended for you to grow up so fast, but you did. When daddy Gregg passed away you were 3 1/2 years old. I'm sure its hard for you to believe this , but I feel like you were years more mature than just a preschooler. You tried so hard to be a big girl; to be my helper & my best little friend. I wanted to be a great mommy to you ....for you to feel safe & for you to be a little girl blissfully unaware of sickness and death. But you were not, sadly you had watched that day when daddy took off his ball cap & gently shook out the remainder of his hair into the front yard. You sat sweetly on his lap in that dreadful hospital bed & tearfully loved on him just days before he passed. You told me on your fourth birthday that you didn't want a party if daddy couldn't be there.

When I started spending time with dad ( who would become your new dad) you knew he was a safe friend. How he loved to sit on the floor with you for hours on end being Demitri while you played Anastasia. He colored with you & you read to him ( you were an early reader!).
When I told you we were going to marry daddy you so sweetly & so gently hugged me and said you'd always miss daddy but you were happy that you would have a new daddy. Your blessing meant the world to me.

This weekend you turn 16 years old. I am just as proud of you now as I was when you were that strong 3 1/2 year old little girl....what seems like a lifetime ago. I guess in many ways it has been a lifetime, hasn't it baby girl?

There isn't a day that goes by that I am not busting at the seems proud to be your mom.

You are strong,

you are independent,

you have such a fabulous sense of humor,

you are smart as a wiz

--top 6% in your class of 700--,

a varsity athlete,

a christian leader,

best friend to so many,

a gorgeous gorgeous brown eyed girl

& a wonderful big sissy.

I see little girls look up to & admire you. I watch as friends want to include you in everything. I see boys look at you & smile. I see your poppi light up each time you come into the room.

A couple of years ago, Randy, your youth leader, wanted you to speak in front of hundreds of teenagers. We've always loved Randy & thought he walked on water. I'll never forget the precious look on your face when he introduced you as 'one of his most favorite people in the world'. Actually, I think you are a few folks favorite person in the world.

Sweet girl, the future is yours to dream those big dreams. I know you can be anything you set your heart to. You can accomplish what ever dream is starting to blossom in your soul. I will be here, cheering you on. Telling everyone how proud I am to be Savannah's mom.

I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is
while you're in the world
(elton john)

Happy Birthday my Valentines Day baby girl
XO