Fantastic 15

My beautiful, precious baby girl is turning 15 today. I know it’s cliche but I can’t believe she’s 15.

I’ve been marveling lately at all that is Olivia and being her mother. I just look at her and think she’s amazing. I look at her and I can’t believe she’s mine. She’s been through so much and come so far. She’s really a miracle.

I’ve also been thinking about how far I’ve come as her mother. In the beginning, I was so overwhelmed and didn’t know how I was going to be her mother. But I did it. We did it together. Our bond is crazy good. It’s amazing how, in the same day, in the span of just a few minutes, I can simultaneously love her so much I feel like I’m going to burst and wonder how I’m going to care for her for the rest of my life. She’s a lot of work, I’m not going to lie.

But she’s so worth it.

I have a 15-year-old daughter who says I’m her best friend. I have a 15-year-old daughter who has no body image issues, no self-esteem issues, no friend or boyfriend drama. I have 15-year-old daughter who loves unconditionally and with her whole heart. I have a 15-year-old daughter without a mean bone in her body unless she’s being funny and calls someone she loves a moron. I have a 15-year-old daughter who loves life, who experiences pure joy on an hourly basis and who is loved by so many. I have a 15-year-old daughter who is perfect in her own way.

I have an amazing daughter. I couldn’t be more proud to be her mother. I feel so lucky just to know her, let alone be her favorite person in the whole world. Even though it’s her birthday, every year I reflect on how she is truly the gift.