Thursday, October 25, 2012

Happy 12th Birthday, Riley!

You had some great firsts this year. Your debut in a musical, and the first family musical. Your first school year ending in straight As. Your first experience with contact lenses.

Your nickname of Smiling Riley isn't just because of your great smile, it's because you make those around you smile, and no one more than me.

You make me beam with pride and wonder at who you are. I feel like you're too good for me most of the time. You're much kinder, much more thoughtful, much more level-headed. You are funny, bright of course, and beautiful inside and out.

Every so often, I try to think of who you'll be in the future, but I get distracted by how much I love who you are now. And that's been happening since you were born, twelve years ago. So I think I'll just continue to love who you are now when you're 12, 13, 18 and so forth.

I love you more than I can say, my Riley. I hope you have a great birthday.

4 comments:

Kimster said...

Please wish Riley a happy birthday for me! She is one of the sweetest, loveliest girls I have had the privilege to meet.

Missy June said...

What a wonderful tribute! You have many reasons to be proud!

Tara R. said...

Happy Birthday to Riley. She really does have a wonderful smile.

BigLittleWolf said...

A very happy birthday to your fabulous girl!