Happy 11th Birthday Jessica!

Today, my sweet firstborn turned eleven years old! It's so hard to believe that much time has passed since she first entered this world. I wish I could put some bricks on her head and make her stop growing so fast!

I think she has had a good birthday. At least it seems that she has. We haven't planned her actual party yet, but it will be in the next couple of weeks. She wants to have a slumber party which would be a first in our house. Not sure I'm ready for that...

The girls slept until about 9am, and Jessica jumped all over the idea of McDonald's for breakfast. She had her favorite Sausage McGriddle, which I might add she has only had twice before! We spent a couple of hours at the pool with our great friends and next door neighbors. Sidney, BFF from next door, came over a little after 3pm for a sleepover. Jessica chose Chick-fil-A for her birthday dinner, complete with a cookies and cream milkshake for dessert. But this was after we sang to her and had a tiny, tiny bite of cookie cake before leaving for dinner. After dinner, we headed to Krispy Kreme to get fresh donuts for breakfast in the morning.

Jessica got new bedding for her birthday, white with bright polka dots, and her bed is all made. She is so excited but not ready to crawl in and curl up yet. It's still too early! :)

I'll post pictures tomorrow, but I wanted to wish my sweet girl a Happy Birthday.

Dear Jessica,

You will never know the joy you have brought into my life the past 11 years. You are such a kind, beautiful, sweet-spirited girl. I hate that you're growing so fast, but it is an honor and privilege to be your Momma. I remember so clearly when you were born and the first time I held you in my arms. You are, and always will be, my "only one" and I'm so thankful for the blessing of you in my life.

I love so many things about you that I can't even count them. Just a few that jump into my mind are that you still let me sing you those silly songs every morning as we drive into the school parking lot. I made them up when you were in first grade...we'll see how much longer you'll let me sing to you! I love that you're not ashamed to let me hug and kiss you in front of your friends...I will savor that as long as I can! I love the nights when we have pillow talk before you go to sleep. I love how you open up to me and share things that are on your heart, just me and you. I love your emerging sense of humor. I love the rabbit move of your nose and mouth when we're talking and you're trying not to smile. I love how you often see beyond yourself and step in to help me when you know I need it, especially on crazy hectic mornings before school when I'm running behind. I love to hear you pray, even though you don't like to do it often. I love to watch you be kind and "motherly" at times with Emma Grace and to other little ones you encounter. I can't wait to see you interact with your baby brother...you're going to be a GREAT big sister to him, just like I know you would have been to Grady. I love that you picked my Mother's Day gift out ALL BY YOURSELF! It's beautiful, and I love wearing it every day.

I love you SO much sweet girl...to infinity and back! I hope you've had a great birthday! I've so enjoyed spending it with you!

Hugs and Kisses!
Momma