Happy Birthday Little Lady

Mercedes at 3 months, Used to Be Mother knit the blanket

The very first time I saw her, she quietly examined my face. "Are YOU my mother?" Most newborns are sleepy or screaming. She was neither. It was only then as I looked at her perfect dainty body and met her gaze that would become trademark, that I understood completely that my life was never going to be the same again. She made such a presence in the room. She still does today.

Mercedes at 3, Used to Be Mother knit the dress

She's smart and quick. She's a thinker. She tries new things. She doesn't suffer fools easily. She is open to change and will weigh out your reasoning why she should. She admits she's wrong. She has a beautiful smile and a particular style that always looks appropriate and put together. She laughs easily. She's well read and curious about the world. She makes interesting conversation and challenges you to think. She is tender and caring. She's the birthday girl today.

Recently an American politician (yawn, nod - that election seems to have been going on for a bazillion days) recently suggested there isn't a parent who wouldn't want to go back and redo a day with their children.

If I could, I would go back to the day that she wanted a Cabbage Patch doll. Or would it be the day she gave me the blue slippers? Or how about the one where we spent in the hotel in Red Deer on our way to Edmonton when the car broke down? You see the thing about Birthday Girl is that you just want to spend all the days again with her. She's that kind of girl.

Happy Birthday Little Lady. We miss and love you.