A Note to My Daughter on Her Eighth Birthday #NationalDaughtersDay

Photo Credit: Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (my daughter's first advertisement)

May you always be wise

May you never be sad

May each year be the best you've ever had

May you have abundant love

May you never know sorrow

May you lay down each night hoping for tomorrow

May you always feel young

May you appreciate your age

And at the end of your life

may you wish to do it the same again.

Chatón Timmel ^©2005

(Last year's Note: A Note to My Daughter on Her Seventh Birthday)

From the Moment I Met Her, I Have Been in Love

My girl at Nemacolin

Today is my daughter's eighth birthday. Of course, the day that she was born is forever etched on my brain. I remember calling the hospital believing that it was "time". I remember the physician telling me to wait until my water had broker to come in and feeling like a failure. I thought, "I must not be saying the right words because I know that this baby is coming!". A couple of hours later my water broke and I was allowed to go to the hospital. I endured eight hours of unmedicated labor at the hospital and remember thinking, why was I in a rush to get here again?!

Then came time for the pushing. I failed again. I was supposed to hold my own legs open and never really figured out how to do that. So, my husband held them open for me. My sister, in her supportive, effervescent fashion decided to chant cheers from our GCHS days because she mistook the physician’s instruction to “be my cheerleader” quite literally.

And then, after 20-30 minutes of pushing, confusion and cheering, out came the most beautiful baby to ever grace this earth.  And it confirmed what I always knew, I had been carrying a girl! I’ll never forget how I felt when I first saw her. It was a combination of relief and joy!

Being Her Mother Is a Daunting Task That I am Ready For

My girl at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Since that day, I have taken my charge to be her mother seriously. I have loved her, protected her, cared for her, and prayed for her. I have tried to take all of the goodness that lies in me and to pour it into her. I have tried to help her discover her own talents while directing her through learning the mundane yet mandatory things that make up this life. I have admired her strength, wit and spunk. And this past year, I have watched her become more of herself.

Me and my girl in Disney World

This past year, she had a few highlights. She performed in her first ballet performance, learned how to ride a bike, and became a big sister for the second time. And what a good big sister she is! Of course, she teases the middle child. It’s kind of her job.  Still, the patience and caring she bestows on the baby belies her years. 

I am so impressed by who she is and who she is becoming. And I cannot wait to experience what is in store.  Here's to 8!!!