My baby girl

I know this will embarrass you Morgan, but I could not have your birthday end, without telling you a few things that I want you to know. You are the best daughter that I could ever imagine. If I could pick qualities and traits, to create a daughter, it would be what you already are. From the minute you were born, you have made us smile. From the minute the doctor said, "It's a girl and she's beautiful." Even though up until then, we had been told you were a boy, there was not even one second of sadness that you were a girl. Of course we were shocked, but my first thought was, "Oh- good I have my girl all the rest of my kids can be boys." I just wanted at least one daughter. I wanted YOU. You are the one that made my dream of becoming a Mom a reality. We waited a lot of years for you and you were absolutely perfect. Beautiful, strong, and smart. You did every thing so early, from smiling, rolling over, crawling, walking, talking, climbing out of your crib, etc. You couldn't wait to see the world. That is still a trait you have. You live life to the fullest. Everyone always tells me that you seem years older than you are. You have the ability to be so mature, yet naive at the same time. That's a good thing.

I am so grateful that you are such a good friend to others. I love that you don't care what your friends look like, what they wear, how much money they have, etc. You have always picked good friends. You are a good influence to them. I remember when we just moved to Virginia. You were 4 1/2 years old. We lived in an apartment, while we were trying to find a house. The people in the complex were of all different nationalities, and spoke many different languages. You were so friendly to everyone. One day, as we were walking to the apartment, you saw a little girl close to your age, and you befriended her and invited her over at 1:00 for cake. She was so happy! She came over and you played all afternoon with her. You got along great, and when it was time to go, you hugged her and said, "Thanks for playing and being my friend." When she left, you turned to me and said, "That was fun! I wish I could understand her. She speaks a different kind of Spanish." (She spoke Arabic.) I still crack up and that. You have always sought friends, who may be a little different, for whatever reason, and I hope you continue to do so. So you can see the good in ALL people.

You can always make us laugh. You used to tell us jokes you made up, and then say, " I want to tell jokes for money someday." You are so witty and have the best sense of humor. It takes me forever to come up with a witty comment, but they roll off your tongue, and I appreciate that quality in you.

You are so beautiful. Don't roll your eyes- you truly are. More importantly than how you look on the outside though, is that you are beautiful inside, too. You are blessed to have beauty inside and out. You are so good. I hope that you will always be the type of person who sees beauty from the inside, out in others.

You are so helpful. I want you to know how much I appreciate all you do for me. I know it is not always easy being the oldest child. You are such a good influence and example to your brothers. They look up to you so much. Even Camden notices. When you are at school, he often gets a sad face and says, "Sissy bye-bye."

I love to see how your mind works. I wish you could see you, the way I see you. You are wise beyond your years. You are good through and through, and are so pure. I hope you will always know what a wonderful virtue that is. It is hard to believe that you are 12 now, and entering Young Women's. I know for you it seems like it has been a long time coming. But for me it seems like yesterday, my first born baby was laid in my arms. Which is why I start to tear up and cry every time we talk about you going to Young Women's. I am happy for you though, and I know you are going to LOVE it.

I have so much more to say, but I will save some for another day. I just want you to know how much you are loved. You are the best daughter anyone could hope for. I love you Morgan. Happy 12th Birthday!