Precious few moments we’ve shared alone. Just the two of us.
Such is life as a middle child.
You never had me all to yourself.
Your time as the baby was cut short – punctuated by the little one just 22 months behind you.
Plenty of time you had though, to carve an untouchable place into your Mom’s heart.
With your thick-folded thighs and your cheeks all round and rosey. Bright blue saucer eyes and a smile wide like a rainbow. A giggle that echoed off the corners of our tiny two bedroom and brought joy into each nook. Every cranny.
My heart bleeds at the thought of all these years gone by. So soon.
Stop, I want to tell you. Stop it right now. Do not grow one more second. Do you hear me young lady?
But then you bounce into the room wearing your pajama bottoms and an Aero sweatshirt. Owl City on the iPod. A wrist full of bangles. Red ringlets framing the sweetest of faces.
My heart swells at the sight of you. So grown up.
Have you done your homework? Yes. Your chores? Yes.
Of course you have. So many things you’ve done. Yet so many things to come.
This age. Oy, this age.
I never knew the turning point it was until your sister went before you.
And now here you are. Taking those first steps towards who you will become.
Already.
Such a gift you are to me.
So much laughter you bring us with your quirky comments, your unique point of view.
A sharer of secrets with your big sister. A dream playmate for your little brother. A protector of (and often times translator for) your little sister.
There is but one you. One beautiful, unique, bursting-with-potential, amazing, adorable you.
Twelve years.
A wretched cold winter day it was. And then along you came. A little drop of sunshine right into my hands. Sent to warm our hearts, our lives.
And warm them you have.
Happy birthday my girl. Beautiful girl.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday, Kennedy!!
I love that picture!
So beautiful, Darcie! Your writing stirs my heart.
Happy Birthday to your red-headed beauty.
Well you KNOW there is a special place in my heart for redheads! Happy birthday to a gorgeous girl.
This was beautiful Darcie. I could really feel this one. It’s almost as though I know her. :)
Happy Birthday, Kennedy! May this year be the best one yet! That was a beautiful tribute to her. I just know she brings all of those things to your life. How lucky she is to have you as her mother.
There’s just that something special about the middle child. Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl.
Hoe lucky the two of you are to have each other… And what a wonderful bd gift she was to me as well…
What a wonderful tribute! Happy Birthday!
What a beautiful post!! Shes going to love reading this :-)
Seriously Beautiful!
12….so inbetween. so easy to see all that was before and yet easy to see all that is going to come.
Hi, Darcie. I saw your comment on Omom’s blog and hopped over.
Beautiful post. Beautiful girl. Wow.
Beautiful picture & a great post!!
Oh, Darcie..that is beautiful. I hope she knows how lucky she is to have you thinking that way about her.
Happy birthday to your sweet (almost teenage) girl!
She’s gorgeous! Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday to Kennedy! Great post.
I love this one. Being in the middle isn’t always easy, but it is very very special. Clearly she holds a spot right in the middle of your heart. Happy birthday gorgeous!
How sweet. Happy Birthday to your (not so little) girl. And you are a wonderful writer.
You write the most beautiful tributes to your children. Both Hands was one of my favorite posts of yours ever and this is just precious. Happy Birthday to your girl!
Happy birthday Kennedy! Your writing is an everlasting tribute to your amazing kids!
That was beautiful! Happy Birthday!
awwww, sweet post. Happy birthday to your little girl ;) She is a beauty.
Nell