I just want to talk about my Bri, cause you know its her birthday month. (Thank you Steve for inventing the BIRTHDAY MONTH)

When you came into our lives we had no idea what it would be like to be parents. Immediately we learned that it was a life of unconditional love. You were expected to come on June 1, and showed up June 12. Needless to say. I didn't give a flying leap what I needed to go through to deliver you, I had had enough. You were overcooked. You were 8lbs70z and 21 " long. That's a big girl for a 4' 11" person. (that's a joke) I am short, I am not that short. I keep changing it up.....that bothers me more than my age. You were overcooked.And I said you didn't open your eyes for three days cause your cheeks were so chubby. Your father was in love the moment you arrived. Well it was like he was looking in a mirror. Which I did not see at all. I thought you looked just like me.

You gave us a few little scares . You had to have a brace put on at three months due to a hip displacia. That freaked me out. If the brace didn't work the doc said that meant surgery and in a cast for 6 mos to a year. Yikes. Well missy you broke the brace 3 times, and as soon as the brace was removed you stood up in your crib. Yes you did. Did I ever tell you about the time you jumped out of yur crib? You could not be contained.

You were the busiest little girl. You loved everyone. Your favs were the muppets, Miss Piggy, Cabbage Patch Kids and Wonder Woman , and Popeye. Dear Lord ,you were obscessesd with Popeye. You were Olive Oil ,Robby was Sweet Pea and I was Mrs. Oil. Your father was Popeye, (I do see the resenblance). You were very creative.

As you grew there was always something special about you. Your love of reading, your love of writing,and poetry. You little athletic body. NOw I never saw so many muscles on a little girl. If we didn't sign you up for gymnastics the neighbors were gonna do it for us . You were tumbling everywhere. Instead of Marylou Retton you decided on swimming. Wasn't that a blast?

Well my girl,you scared the hell out of me when you came into my life. You taught me many lessons along the way. Your smile lights up a room. Your humor is not only current ,but crosses generations. Your strength and stamina has just plain astonishes me.

You were an old soul when you were in middle school. Now you are a mother,and that just has been the best journey of all.