Monday, October 27, 2008

My Baby is 8



Up to the night before Riley was born, I remember worrying that there wasn't any way that I could possibly love another human being as much as I loved Sylvia. Of course, from the moment I saw Riley - 8 years ago Saturday - I realized that love is boundless. If it could be measured, I'm sure that I love her more today than I did that first day of her life.

Riley has always seemed to me to be a very old soul. She's incredibly observant (particularly when she thinks you're not paying attention), empathetic, bright, and can light up anyone's day. At the same time, she has no problem speaking her mind, and sometimes scares me with her seemingly fearlessness.

She was a very easy baby. As a toddler, she didn't have tantrums. She came to school, eager to learn.

She does, however, have a streak of stubbornness and independence that she hasn't quite matured into yet. The good news is I don't think she'll ever be a victim of anyone besides herself. Her life will be entirely what she makes of it.

Most of the time, I feel like she's a better person than me. She has learned early how to love someone, yet not see them through rose-colored glasses. She instinctively puts herself in someone else's shoes before judging. She may come across as shy upon a first meeting, but really, she's just holding back, allowing the other person to shine. But when it's her turn to take center stage, she knows how to milk it for all its worth!

She is charming, yet sincere. She knows she's gorgeous, but keeps it in perspective. She's eager to explore anything and everything that life has to offer, and can cope with disappointment.

She's not perfect, but close enough for me!

I'm honored to be Riley's mother, and look forward to what she will teach me in her 8th year.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great post! Happy birthday, Riley.

You got a pretty perfect mom!

Kori said...

You are such a great mom for being able to see all of this wonderful stuff about your daughter! Wow-8years; and isn't she SO cute! Or was it adorable we are supposed ot be using now?

Suzie said...

Youre a great mommy

Tara R. said...

Happy Birthday to Riley, and congrats to you, mom!

MarĂ­a said...

Happy Birthday gorgeous!

Shiona said...

Happy 8th Birthday Riley!

hugabug1 said...

What a beautiful post! (And a beautiful girl.) It made me tear up a little. I love how you see your girls as real live people with strengths and weaknesses. So many see their kids as amusements or annoyances and forget that they are human beings.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to both of you! Riley, well, for beginning her life, and you, for beginning your life as Riley's mom.

FreedomFirst said...

Happy birthday Riley!

Wow, she sounds a lot like Hunter. He is getting noisier in an effort to keep up with big brother, but left to his own, he's very quiet and very independent.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Riley Girl -- A wonderful daughter and a great friend. Hugs.

Loth said...

Happy Birthday Riley! There is an 8 year old boy all the way over in Scotland who sounds an awful lot like you!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!!

She and Jacob share the same birthday a year apart - cool!

Julie@My5monkeys said...

Happy Birthday Riley.

Anonymous said...

Awww, Happy Birthday Riley!

And what a beatuiful tribute to your daughter, April.

Jen said...

She sounds like such a wonderful person, and the picture is adorable. I also happen to think that 8 is one of those "golden" years in childhood.

Florinda said...

Happy birthday to Riley, and what a great gift to her this tribute is! Then again, it sounds like she's a great gift to her mom :-).