A Whole New Age

A birthday moment with me and B

My baby turned 7 today. Every year, I realize that time's going by a lot faster than I'd like it to. I can still remember the nerve racking last night I had before giving birth. I was so nervous and scared and completely convinced myself that there was no way in hell I was going to be able to push a little person out into the world. I was even more convinced I was going to somehow scar this child for life, because what did I know about raising a kid? I was barely 20, and I felt as lost as a puppy in the woods. I've always had the momma instinct, but motherhood was a whole new ballgame I'm still learning day by day. When I held her right after she was born, I was filled with such love and I didn't know you could love someone that much that you just met. And I swear, no matter how much she frustrates me at times, as every year goes by, I love that kiddo more than the last.

It sometimes still scares me a little when I think of that little person putting all her eggs in my basket, assuming everything will be all right and that I'll take care of everything so she can just worry about being a kid. It so much responsibility sometimes that I'm doing a good enough job. But then I look at her, she smiles brightly at me because she's just finished reading three pages of "Harry Potter" all by herself, and I'm filled with this overwhelming sense of pride. I realize she's a great kid and remind myself not to freak out so much. She's a smart, funny, and bright little girl and I'm doing a pretty good job so far.

I've also found that I've grown because of my kiddo. The things that used to bother me, like screaming kids in a restaurant, doesn't even phase me. Even strange things like becoming my daughter's personal towel when she's drying her hands won't make me blink an eye. 10 years ago, maybe, but these days, not even an eyelash.

It's strange how the scariest day of my life was actually the best day I think I'll ever have. I don't think there's anything else in the world that can top the day I became a mommy.

The birthday Princess in her "Princess" nightgown

But my baby's birthday started off with the princess (complete with her Enchanted "Princess" nightgown) opening presents. She enjoyed all her gifts, but in true Brynn fashion, wanted to open every last one of them before she even thought about playing with them. First on the list was the Bumblebee action figure my mom got her and her very first Wii game.

After making her Barbie pony jump a few hurdles and making plenty of money to give her nice and pretty things, we piled in the car to make our way to Chuck E. Cheese, the birthday girl's choice of fun. It was small party of three at her request. We played plenty of skee ball and win more tickets games. She walked away with a few cool "free" prizes. Tired and full of pizza, we headed back home so she could open her last present and eat some cake.

The obligatory Chuck E. Cheese pony ride

She made her wishes and we all sat down to eat chocolate cake with chocolate frosting (again, Brynn's choice). I told her a few stories about the day she was born. I got a little misty eyed as we went through our "Brynn" photo album and received a dirty look because I was "crying" again. All in all, it was a wonderful and relaxing day. Happy birthday, baby, I'm hoping you have another great year.

Homemade chocolate cake. I even spelled "birthday" right this time, ha, ha.

Another special birthday wish