B L I S S

Happy Birthday Aubrey!

Thirteen years ago...

Chicago.

Two days before Thanksgiving...

Late evening induction. 

One day before Thanksgiving...

Early evening C-Section delivery.

You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

Round.

Thanksgiving Day...

Dad and the visiting family ate Thanksgiving dinner at the Drake.

I sipped chicken broth and snuggled you while we watched the parade on TV.

The Secret Service stood outside our door.

I like to think they were there protecting you,
but really it was for Jesse Jackson's new grandchild that was born in the room next door.

Jesse Jackson came to visit.

His grandchild that is, not you.

We could hear the chatter from inside our room.

You were/are the easiest, most perfect little addition two novice parents could have asked for.

You have allowed us to mess up so many times...

and yet you just keep turning out beautiful despite us.

Proof that you came with your gifts already inside.

Among your greatest gifts, your gentle kindness.

But as you grow, your strength and leadership are emerging.
Gentle kindness + Strength + Leadership = A True Gentle Giant.

I love you.

I love everything about you.

I am the luckiest Mom alive to have you for a daughter.

You make being a parent... pure bliss.

Happy Birthday sweet girl...