My family is blended and while my daughter is not biologically mine- she is my daughter.

Today is her 16th birthday and I cannot fathom how this could be.  I look at her and always see the little girl in braids done by Grandma B and the little blue and white checkered dress that reminds me so much of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Where did the time go?

J came into my life when I started dating her dad 11 years ago.  I remember being so against meeting her until we could decide if our relationship was going anywhere.  I am a firm believer that introducing people into your kids lives is not beneficial and can cause emotional damage when it is not the right time.  Meeting her has changed my life and has changed me for the better. 

I worked at an ear piercing place in our local mall and here this little thing comes over to meet me.  She was shy and so beautiful.  I gave her a lollipop after Daddy said no, but what did Daddy know?  This small interaction won her over and she opened up to talk to me and wanted to play with Daddy's new friend and her son.  It was in this moment that I knew that this little girl would be my daughter. 

In 11 years this little girl has blossomed into a beautiful young woman.  She is smart and destined for great things.  To my daughter on her sweet 16- You are beautiful inside and out. I am proud of you everyday for the goals you set and the achievements you have yet to make.  I love you to the moon and back.