My baby

 No, not this one.  She is pretty new still.  We are still getting to know this one.

 I am talking about this one.

 The one who made us parents.

 Tee hee hee. 

Dearest A,

My love

My sensitive

brilliant

talented

confident

show-woman.

My singer

dancer

actor.

My helper

My cuddler

My animal lover

My nature girl

My passionate

compassionate

darling

daughter.

You are 7.

Where did the years go?

You are so big.

So bold.

Already bursting to grow up.

But still needing a bandaid

on every bruise and bump.

You are independent.

And still need me.

You still want your friends to see you

hug me.

It won't last.

So I drink in the moments.

I savor your kisses,

your tantrums

your apologies

your raised eyebrows.

Your jokes.

Your notes.

Your stories.

Your love.

Your childhood.

I was blessed the day I found out you existed, and I have been more blessed every day since. 

My daughter, I love you more than life.

I love

You.