Special Note for a Special Person on a Special Day

My Dearest Darling,

At 7:52am this morning you turned one year older... and oh! what a year it has been. You've grown in so many ways and I couldn't possibly love you much more than I do right now. 

It seems like you just keep growing - sometimes over night - and I've found myself having to suddenly rush out and buy new clothes for you. I wish you'd stop! I should bind you up and take away all foods for a few months to see if that puts a stop to the nonsense.

An up-side to your growth, though, is that your taste in television programming has gotten better.  You seem to be steering away from crap and more toward 'Phineas and Ferb' - surely a large step in the right direction.

As you get older, you're getting a bit wiser and tend to make less rash decisions.  Instead of pretending like you can't hear when I ask for help with dishes, you look directly at me before stomping away.  It's progress.

I can feel you testing your limits too, like throwing a fit when I don't let you watch TV before bed.  You'll eventually grow out of this and learn that 'my way or the highway' just ain't gonna work in all situations.  I know it seems like you should get to do whatever you want at this age, but sometimes - and you'll have to trust me here - I actually do know what's best for you.

You did manage to kick a few addicting habits this year and for that I'm proud of you.  I'm also proud that you're going to put yourself out there this summer and show your friends and family what you are capable of.

I look forward to the next few months, years and decades.  I think our love for each other can only get better from here. Happy 33rd Birthday, Anna!

XOXO,
Anna