Now And Then

I've been blogging since 2009 and every year on this date I write a little happy birthday message to my daughter2. After that first year she told me reading my blog on her birthday is one of the best parts of her day. Knowing she likes to wake up and see what momma has to say about her motivates me to keep writing. And writing and writing. 

Seventeen years of birthday blogging is a lot of birthday blogging. 

In that first post of what would become a yearly tradition of posting on her big day, I wrote a lot.  Paragraphs. Details. Cute stories like how she called us from uni across the pond and said she needed to tell us something. I still remember the way my stomach rolled. No worries though...she tried out for cheerleading and made the team. 

No she'd never been a cheerleader. 

I feel somehow like this story tells you everything you need to know about her. 

Anyway, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole looking for inspiration for today's post and saw that in 2021 I wrote a 10 on the 10th post in her honor. Five years have come and gone since that day so I thought it would be fun to do a then and now style post. Here goes-

1. In 2021 she was living many many states away. 

2. Just one now. Much better. 

3. In 2021 she had two nephews who adored her. Now there's a niece to love, plus two littles of her own who all together make up the glorious chaos of our cousin crew. 

4. In 2021 I said she gets stuff done. In 2026 she's still our super capable, dependable, girl with a plan. 

5. And still a beauty. 

6. In 2021 I said she teaches, reads, bakes, and naps like it's her job. One of those things really was her job. Now she nurtures her babies, reads, bakes, and longs for a nap. 

7. Motherhood is more than a job. It's an adventure. Something like that. 

8. In 2021 she loved dogs, books, sharpies, Jesus, and hot tea with her momma in the late afternoon. Still true. 

9. In 2021 I asked her sister what her favorite thing is about Daughter2 and she said, "She's the first person I want to share any news with, good or bad. And she always takes my side, even if I'm wrong.' Ha! And also still true. 

Sisters. 

Going strong since c.1990

10. In 2021 I described her as chatty, faithful, and determined...the best friend, the sweetest sister, the much adored aunt. She is a confidante, truth teller, joy bringer, a day brightener...

And now also a wife and momma, full of wisdom, full of grace. Happy birthday Daughter2...

I'm not with you in person today, but am adding this picture because I know you'll smile when you see it. Me too. May the year ahead be full of sweetness and unexpected moments that bring your heart joy. xo