Chasing Sunsets

She’s my May baby, and today she turns double digits. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this kiddo and what she brings to our family than by writing this blogpost on her special day. For as long as I can remember we’ve called her Birdie. I believe her Uncle L gave her the nickname because of her little bird legs, and like most good nicknames it just stuck. She’s our songbird – always a song in her heart. She also wants to fly and is currently obsessed with playing in the tree in our front yard. All very fitting for our Birdie. Other nicknames include Lucy Long-face and Little Peach, but we’ll roll with Birdie for this adventure.

She’s my stop and smell the flowers (or blow the dandelion) kid. She has an old soul and marches to the beat of her own drum (usually slower than the rest of us). She challenges me in a way that encourages me to look at the world different. Which is why our dates are so special. I believe in dating your kids. Spending one on one time with them, and letting them choose the adventure. Date your spouse, but also date your kids. Soak them in.

One of my favorite dates with the Bird is when we roll the windows down, she picks the playlist, and we chase a sunset. And maybe pick up a treat from Smoothie King. Last fall we did just that. Flying down interstate 74 (dirty from yard work) – heading west and chasing an amazing sunset. Music blasting and her singing. She was giggling and snapping pics as the sun kept sinking – telling me to drive faster (because she’s our wild child). These are the moments I want to bottle up so I will always have it to treasure. I vividly remember thanking God for her in that moment.

Birdie inspires me to play and be present. She’s artistic and articulate. She lives for the simple moments, and seems most happy when you just stop what you’re doing to participate in what she’s dreamed up or listen to one of her great stories. I always say I can’t believe I get to be her mom. Happy 10th Birthday, Birdie! 💗