Better than candles

Thirteen years ago, I dropped off 2-year-old Lauren 

at our friends' house at 5:30 a.m.,

cried a bit at how her life was about to change,

drove to the hospital

and...

three hours later...

wonderful Madeleine entered our lives.

This morning the sky celebrated with these colors:

and then six girls showed up on our doorstep at 6:30

with breakfast and presents

 to surprise the birthday girl

and to make her go to school in crazy pajamas 

and (inexplicably) antlers.

{Let me just pause to give thanks for her friends.

I love these girls.

And they still act [and look] 12-13.

Enthusiasm. Giggling. Politeness. 

And none of that trying to look 21 nonsense}

I think she liked it

{and she can rock the antler and jammies look}

Happy Birthday, Maddy girl

Comments

[seven smiles]

That sunrise is amazing!
Happy birthday :)

[andrea]

i envy you the stability. that is one thing my kids will never know in a military life.

happy bday to a fantastic chica!

[calibosmom]

I'm moving to your neighborhood.

[Lindsay-ann]

Happy 13th Birthday Maddy.
Hope you have a great day.
Jessica (& Lindsay)
x

[Anonymous]

tell Maddy happy birthday! I can't believe our little babies are turning 13...
Jen

[Kenny and Linsey]

Gorgeous sky. 13 year-old girls who like being 13 are such a breath of fresh air...at least when they want to be. Happy Birthday Maddy!

[Michelle]

I just love your Maddy. And wow, is she beautiful; even in the crazy jammies and antlers.

I love all your kids-- I keep meaning to set up Sam with my boys to talk books.

xoxo, m

[diane]

Teenage girls are FUN!

[Christie]

Happy birthday to your darling girl! Oh, we love your kids. Seriously. They will never know how much they are loved by us.

And please tell me the secret because I have a six-year-old trying to dress like a 17-year-old. Help!

[Emily]

"Happy happy birthday Maddy dear," or should I say "deer?" Happy Birthday!

[Bridget]

What a beautiful celebratory sunrise. How fun to do a breakfast party. What a great memory for her. And yes, you're right. Those girls look cute and 13, not 21.

[cbentley]

Thank God for good friends, indeed! What cute pictures of our darling Maddy Girl. She is very special to us. Unique little spirit and a great imagination. Thanks for the peek into the festivities. Love love love