It always surprises me that milestone birthdays take my breath away a little bit, even though I've done them before with the older kids. But they do. 10 years ago this little bundle of love and contradiction entered the world and our family has been so much the better for it.
Oh, Annika. As usual, I'm not sure what to say. You are just So Much. So much love, so much brain, so much angst, so much independence, so much need, so much creativity, so much procrastination, so much lazy, so much busy. You are one of the most complex people I know, and I say that with love. I understand you the least of my children, but I think understanding you is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. It can't be done. Instead I just love you. I hold you tight when your emotions overwhelm you. I listen to your ideas as they come flowing from you all day long. I try to help you understand how to balance your need to create and be and live your own life with playing well with others and being respectful of their needs (aka "the house is not your garbage can"). I marvel at all the places your mind goes and try to help you channel all of that toward productive goals. Mostly though, I just love you.
You're going to do great things, my girl. I'm just buckling in for the ride. Happy 10 years, Annika. I'm forever grateful for you.
Love,
Mama
lovely. happy birthday!
Posted by: Sarah Jane | beautiful dawn | June 27, 2012 at 10:20 AM
This brought tears to my eyes because, you know that's exactly how I feel about my Ryan. I think about it often, how we think it's suppose to be and then a kid likes Annika or Ryan comes along and throws us all off. I love my Ryan with fierce love. He needs it. He knows that through it all, I'm there for him, no matter what.
Posted by: jane | June 27, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Thanks! I know you totally get it. I figure someone up there must think a lot of us to entrust us with such precious and fragile cargo. :)
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | June 27, 2012 at 10:35 AM
oh, this is so well-said, sarah. happy birthday to both of you. xo.
Posted by: habit blog | June 27, 2012 at 10:54 AM
A beautiful post and a gorgeous photo of your girl. Happy Birthday, Annika. xx
Posted by: Jules | June 28, 2012 at 01:17 AM
Perfect. Happy Birthday to our dear friend, Miss Annika.
Posted by: Heather | June 28, 2012 at 03:36 AM
Beautiful post, Sarah.
And Happy Birthday Annika!!
Posted by: beki | June 28, 2012 at 06:16 AM
So well put. My abigail will be 8 soon and the phrase "the house is not your garbage can" comes up quite often - maybe because me boys are so tidy. Your girly is beautiful. Happy 10th Annika!
I'm sending you an email re: cleaning up your blog after the malware deposited by craft hope. I've deleted all I can but there seems to be more to do. Any advice?
Posted by: larissa | June 28, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Happy birthday to Annika!
Posted by: amy h | June 28, 2012 at 07:50 PM
What a truly lovely post. I have one of those, unfathomable children. Beautifully written. Happy Birthday, to mama and child.
Posted by: Sonya | July 02, 2012 at 11:41 PM