In 2011, you told me that I was the best mom ever. And I promised to remind you of that when you were screaming "I hate you" just a few years down the road.
You said you could never hate me.
I hope that you're right.
If there's anything I've learned about being your mom for the last seven years, it's that nothing has been how I expected it would be. Which sort of makes sense because I really had no expectations.
There were no cliches', no "aha" moments about you that I could pinpoint in an index notation of a best selling parenting book that prepares for the generalities of caring for a baby but not really parenting one.
Maybe that's because there aren't any words to describe what it is to be someone's parent. For me, it felt like simultaneously getting the wind knocked out of me and air being pumped back into my lungs.
When they laid you on my bare chest, it was equally terrifying as it was glorious.
It still is.
But each moment we've had together are new and fresh, ones we we made together, on our own. Not in some book. Not in my mind. Or even in my mind's eye.
Sure, I've tried to picture what you would be like, but, Quinlan, my imagination didn't do you justice.
So instead of seeing you at 10, 13, or 18, I'll just enjoy you as you are right now.
Seven.
Happy Birthday, love.
Here are a few birthday posts from past years if you're so inclined.
oh So cute baby... She looks like a doll... Stay Blessed... Nice post and terrific info.
keep it up and Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Tubal Reversals | July 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Happy sweet seven,turning seven is the beginning of life!!
Posted by: eve | July 12, 2011 at 07:11 AM
*Sniff* Oh, nothing. Just allergies.
(Gorgeous. Happy birthday!)
Posted by: Marinka | July 08, 2011 at 03:15 PM
For us, 7 was a knockout year, and 11 is turning into, well, a turning point. But there will never be a more perfect snapshot of who they are than who they are on these special days!
Posted by: Velma | July 07, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Happy Birthday to the little miss - enjoy each day and moment in the now because we can never get them back...she is simply adorable by the way
Posted by: Krystal | July 07, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Happy anniversary of motherhood, Kristen. She is so beautiful. And you are so amazing.
Posted by: RookieMom Whitney | July 07, 2011 at 02:41 PM
Hooray - Happy Birthday Q!
(Mine turned 7 last week and immediately decided he's now an adult.)
Posted by: Karianna | July 07, 2011 at 02:18 PM
"If there's anything I want to do right, it's being a good parent." I couldn't agree more. Thats a very powerful statement.
Posted by: Mummy Tales | July 07, 2011 at 02:06 PM
happy birthday Quinlan! Good for you for enjoying the now...I need to remember that.
Posted by: The Dalai Mama | July 07, 2011 at 01:24 PM
She's lovely. Happy birthday, Quinlan (and Mommy).
Posted by: Karen (SubMommy) | July 07, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. (said with genuine gratitude and no attitude)
Posted by: Aimee | July 07, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Happy birthday to Quinlan.
Posted by: Issa | July 07, 2011 at 12:49 PM
How did our babies get so big? Happy Birthday, Quinlan! Happy Birth Day, Mom!
Posted by: Manic Mommy | July 07, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Happy seventh to Quinlan!!
Posted by: Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com | July 07, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Happy birthday, sweet Quinlan. And congrats to you, mama. You deserve the "best mom ever" title.
Posted by: Julie Marsh | July 07, 2011 at 10:20 AM