Before You Know It

Yesterday found our family having to lay aside grief mode for our beloved Licorice and putting on happy, party mode. We now officially have a new adult in the house. And that sentence still feels like it doesn't quite fit. It's going to take some getting used to. Okay, a lot of getting used to. Our Kay turned 18 yesterday! Eighteen! I can hardly believe it. She can actually vote on March the 3rd in our provincial election.

I promised myself that I would not do one of those sappy, "Wasn't it just yesterday" posts. But I'm breaking my promise. I'm definitely doing a sappy, "It seems like just yesterday" post. Just for you, Kay. So grab a cup of coffee and bear with me.

It seems like just yesterday that I was waking up hubby to tell him I thought it was time. And he, in his asleep state, was asking if he had time to take a shower first. Ummm, no.

It seems like just yesterday when the new Daddy was having to play his guitar every single night to get our brand new babe to calm down during her evening periods of colic.

It seems like just yesterday when we were shocked you were already sitting up by yourself at 4 months. And walking at 10 months. And throwing blankets on your head and running wily nily around house giggling as we tried to catch up with you before you crashed.

It seems like just yesterday you were putting together puzzles way to difficult for your age group and teaching yourself to read at age 4.

It seems like just yesterday you were going to playschool and you never looked back. Literally. You were never afraid to try new things, go new places. Giving your mom a goodbye kiss and a wave as you went on to your new adventure. It was me that wanted to cling to you and instead went and broke down in the car.

It seems like yesterday you were in your first Sunday School performance. I can still remember it clearly.

It seems like just yesterday we could not get you out of a dress for anything. No matter the activity or the weather. Boy whatever happened to those days? Now we can't get you into a dress for next to anything. Except maybe grad. ;v)

It seems like just yesterday you made your first tower jump in diving in grade 4 and made your first basket on the girl's grade 5/6 team.

It seems like just yesterday you went to youth group for the first time, that you went to your first youth conference without me.

It seems like just yesterday we put you on the bus that took you 6 hours away for 3 weeks while you attended missions school.

And I could go on forever down memory lane, remembering all your wonderful childhood. But that will be for me to do in my heart on my own. I feel a pot of coffee, box of kleenex and photo album time coming on.

Now here we are facing a whole new set of firsts with you. You've gone from a bold, adventurous, smart little girl and grown into a beautiful, young woman, still adventurous, but with a good head on your shoulders, desiring to do what the Lord calls you to. We're so very proud of you and love you so much. Happy, happy birthday, Kay!

From the frilliest, poufiest, laciest frou frou dress in your closet to simple elegance, your tastes have changed a touch in dresses but regardless you are, and always will be, my beautiful daughter!