I see your book light on well past bedtime, crayons stashed under your pillow and papers piled high with your stories and drawings.
You might be the first person to write Sisters Grimm "fan fikshun."
I have a feeling it won't be the first time you're the first at things.
The challenge I face as you are now long grown out of early morning wakings, when my presence was a matter of your survival, a demand upon me which I had no choice but to answer, is to remain as present for you as I was when I held you tight in my arms.
It was easy then, when we slept together in the rocking chair and I couldn't let go of you because you'd fall. But now I am learning how to parent without being able to grasp you as easily in my arms.
I hope you know that they will always be there. Even if all I can do is wrap them around you.
But at least now you can hold me too.
Happy 8th Birthday, Quinlan.
[Birthday posts from years past: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, & 2006]
I was forwarded your Elf on the Shelf blog entry by a friend. Which first, I loved your entry, it was hilarious. I, too have the Elf in our home and have felt the same sentiments as you. Just when you thought you were all creative with the thing yes someone else does something super incredible. I am lucky to remember to move him somewhere before the kids get up...PATTERN;) ANYWAY, I noticed in your picture of your elf hanging from the TV brackets...which, for the record yes, I thought that was brilliant myself. But I guess that gives no cred to me since I just admitted I am just like you with this whole Elf thing. Back to subject, in your picture you had a stocking with the name "Quinlan"- I LOVE THAT NAME and especially because we have a "Quinlyn" Anytime anyone hears our daughters name they say' "Oh well isn't that unusual" Not too sure that is a compliment but who cares. So bottom line I just wanted to write and say it was really cool to see another Quinlan. ;)
Posted by: Christine | November 29, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Nagustuhan ko lalo na ng iyong artikulo, Umaasa ako na maaari mong sumulat ng mas mahusay na mga artikulo, naniniwala akong karamihan sa mga mambabasa ay magkakaroon ng parehong ideya at ako umasa sa patuloy na upang makita ang naturang magandang artikulo, salamat.
Posted by: converse all star | July 18, 2012 at 03:59 AM
Beautiful; she looks so much like you.
Posted by: Carrie | July 15, 2012 at 01:55 AM
Sisters Grimm Fan Fikshun. haha I love it! Happy birthday, Quinlan!
Posted by: Ashley Austrew | July 09, 2012 at 11:19 AM
:O
I just started reading your blog - you are brilliant, witty, gorgeous, oh...all the usual things I'm sure you're used to hearing.
Seriously though, Quinlan? PLEASE tell me you named your sweet daughter after Quinlas Vos legendary Jedi Master. I normally wouldn't even ask, but you kick just enough ass for it to be true :D
Posted by: Miss Vikki | July 08, 2012 at 02:06 AM
Happy Birthday to your darlng first!
Posted by: Vicky | July 07, 2012 at 09:01 PM
Happy Birthday Quinlan! I can't believe it!
Posted by: vicky | July 07, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Happy birthday to you both! xox
Posted by: Lindsey | July 07, 2012 at 03:41 PM
Happy birthday to your sweet girl! Your words made me tear up!
Posted by: Irish Twins Momma | July 07, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Lovely in every way, mother, daughter and sentiment.
Posted by: Amanda | July 07, 2012 at 01:45 PM
I never realized our girls were 5 days apart. Its hard to not have them as babies...even when we're so proud of the girls they are becoming.
Happy birthday!
Posted by: My Little Otter | July 07, 2012 at 01:19 PM
Beautiful girl! Happy Birthday to her!
Posted by: Fairly Odd Mother | July 07, 2012 at 11:40 AM