I am so proud...

I remember the exact moment when I found out I was pregnant with you. I was sitting in a bathroom stall, in a pagoda, on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I held my little pee stick, and I confess here and now - I prayed that I was pregnant. I was young, and I was single, and I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into - but I knew that I was about to jump into a bottomless pit of love, and I was so excited. Those two, solid pink lines blared back at me and I smiled from the inside, out.

I went back to work, and before I even told anyone.... I started shopping online. I had your nursery theme picked out. I had your name chosen. I immediately started fitting the pieces of this huge puzzle together.

I have not, and will not ever regret my decision to be your mother. You have AMAZED me with your intelligence... I have stayed up many hours, watching you sleep. The face of an angel. I stare at you often, without you knowing. You are the strongest, bravest girl I know. I love you with all of my heart, and I'm SO PROUD of you!

I used to call you my greatest accomplishment, but I can't claim that anymore... you are your own person, and your life is your accomplishment. I am honored to be your mother, however. I'm so grateful for the path you are taking in life, and I can't wait to see how the rest of your puzzle fits together :D I love you Stevie Lynn!!

1st Day of 5th Grade - August 2012