InstaFriday: Today I'm celebrating!

My sweet, first born Brookelyn turns 8 this afternoon. It's hard to believe that 8 years have passed since we lived kid-less, since I could feel her little feet kicking in my belly and since she was a tiny little newborn in my arms.

For her birthday she asked to go to Disneyland, so tomorrow we're all going (and our lovely friend Traci) to Disneyland for the day. We're all so excited and can't wait to spend the day celebrating our sweet girl. She's a luck girl.. she gets to celebrate her birthday all month, since her party isn't until Sept 17th. And, tomorrow is also my mom's birthday! So, we'll be wishing her a very Happy Birthday as well even though she won't be at Disney with us.

{my precious girl in her party dress}

{presents all wrapped & ready}

Dear Brookey Boo,

I wish there was a way to put into words how much I love you, but there aren't. You are everything to me! I never imagined 8 years ago that I could love someone with more than my whole heart, until your daddy brought you to me and put you in my arms for the very first time. Right then, I learned about the love a mother has for her child. There's no way to describe it, so you'll just have to wait until the day you have babies and then you'll understand.

Thank you for always knowing how to put a smile on my face or make laugh. I know that we tease you about talking a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love listening to you and your silly stories, your in depth descriptions of every little thing. You're so smart, that I often wonder where you got the brains in your head. You are so much more than I ever imagined you'd be. Everyone that meets you loves you and speaks so highly of you. Your behavior around others, your love for littler kids, especially your baby brother and your respect for adults is more than I ever could have hoped.

Tomorrow at 2:17 in the afternoon you'll turn 8 and on Wednesday you'll start 3rd grade. It's hard for me to imagine either of those 2 happening. I'm a little bit sad, that you're growing up so quickly. But, at the same time I'm so so proud of you and the wonderful little lady you've become. You make every day brighter and bring endless amounts of joy to your daddy, Cohen and me. Please don't ever loose your optimistic free spirit and positive attitude. And please, always love your brother as much as you do now. He loves you more than you know and looks up to you. I know that he often annoys you, but that's part of the charm of a little brother. One day he'll be bigger than you! I pray that you'll both still be close and love each other the way you do now.

Tomorrow is YOUR day and is all about you baby! I hope that you have the best time at Disneyland ever. We're all going to be there to celebrate you and the darling little lady that you are! I can't wait to see you smile and laugh and play all day tomorrow and every day for many, many, many years to come! I love you to the moon and back, Brookelyn!

XOXO ~ Mommy

And, a few more of my favorite pics of the birthday girl!

 

{brookelyn & her 2nd cousin abby}

Happy Birthday Brookelyn and Mama!!

I'm linking up with Jeannett at Life. Rearranged for InstaFriday, you should too!