Monday, February 4, 2008

9 Years Ago Today...




Today is Morgan's 9th birthday (and cousin Jax's 1st birthday too--Happy B-day Jax). I've been filled with emotion today realizing that today is not only Morgan's birthday, but the aniversary of the day I became a mom. I took this job nine years ago today, and while it is often exhausting, I'm so grateful to have such a rewarding and meaningful job (even though it's often hard to stay focused on the rewarding and meaningful part when the daily chores and errands demand so much attention). Just nine years ago Morgan was a tiny newborn infant in my arms. I had no clue what kind of kid she'd be--or even what she'd really look like. And now I look at her in amazement thinking, "how did I get so lucky to raise you?" At conferences her teachers give me so much credit for the wonderful kid she is, but the secret is that it's just how she came. She's intelligent, driven, self-motivated, goal-orriented, faithful, kind, athletic, responsible, respectful, creative, artistic, funny, energetic, happy, stylish, beautiful...and the list goes on. She's made motherhood so rewarding for me, and made me feel like I'm really good at it--even when I know so much of it is just her. She makes me look good. She makes being a mom the best job in the world.

I was ready to have a panic attack today when it occured to me that this 9-year old birthday represents the mid-point of the years Morgan will spend living at home. Nine years from now we'll be saying goodbye as she heads off to college. The last nine years sped by so quickly, I can only imagine how soon her 18th birthday will arrive--especially as her life gets busier and revolves less around me and more around friends and activites. I can't believe we are halfway "done" and that we only "get" her home with us for 9 more years. It is really starting to set in that kids grow up way to quickly. Everyone always says to enjoy it while it lasts, the meaning of that statement is really begining to sink in.

I love you Mor Mor. Happy Birthday!

6 comments:

Becky said...

Wow. I can't believe Morgan is 9 already! It really is crazy how quickly time passes when you are busy busy busy raising kids. And Michelle, we all know what an amazing mother you are - so let's give credit where credit is due. Happy kids come from happy homes. Now if you could just keep Brent in line..

matt, bekah, jax said...

I love you too Mor Mor. We miss you. I can't believe it was almost 9 yrs ago that I went with you to Grand Cayman. You were the cutest little girl then, and you are still now. WE LOVE YOU to death.

Aunt Bekah

Angela said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MORGAN! We hope you had a great day! What are you doing for your birthday party?

lissiemarie said...

You need to copy this and put it in a journal for her. She will love to have it! You are a fab. times 10 mom! I wish I could hang out with you more and learn from you! I really do miss you!

melissa walker said...

Happy Birthday Morgan! We hope your day was great and that you have a fantastic year being 9!

Sheree said...

Happy Birthday Morgan! We love your gymnastics pictures. You are so beautiful! And what an amazing little gymnast. Elise loves looking at the blog.