When I called you at daddy’s this morning, I said to you the same thing I’ve said every year since you were three. First, I wished you a happy birthday and told you how much I love you. Then I reminded you that you were born at 10:43pm, so technically you are still nine years old until then. I swear to you, I heard the eye roll over the phone. Oh mommy, you said, one day you will have to move past that. Bwahahahaha. It’s something I say to you and your siblings at times and it’s hysterically funny to have it used against me. The next thing you said to me was, we’re still having ribs tonight right? Yes child, yes. Ribs is what you want and ribs you shall have.

Today, my love, you are ten. Ten years old. Double digits. I’m not sure how this happened exactly. It seems like just yesterday when you were born. My very tiny, perfect baby girl. You had angel kisses on your eyelids. I’ll never forget them, even though they went away when you were two months old. I didn’t realize then how much you’d change my world. But oh you did. It was for the better. I’ve never, not even for a moment, regretted having you when I did even though I was young. Young isn’t always a bad thing. Although I’d appreciate it, if you’d wait a bit longer than I did.

You had huge eyes that looked at my very soul. They still do actually. You have this ability to look at me and find the truth. I think it’s why I never lie to you. Not even about the small things anymore. We have a pact, you and I. I tell you the truth and you don’t ask questions unless you want the real answer. So far, it’s worked out for us. I hope this is something that never changes. I hope you’ll always remember that you can talk to me about everything.

Nine was a very good year for you. You made a new best friend, one who is very easy to get along with. The two of you are pretty inseparable. You changed dance classes, from the rec center to a real studio. You live to dance. Last winter you learned to snowboard and you can’t wait for this weekend, because it will be the first time this year to go up to the mountain with daddy. You ski black diamonds with him, which terrifies me. Yet you have no fear. He promises me, that you are actually a better skier than him and I have nothing to fear. School has been phenomenal this year, as your teacher is JUST LIKE YOU, so she fully understands how you operate. I’m so thankful that you’ll have her next year too. YAY hippy charter school!

You read books like they are going out of style, which is something I always hoped for when you were very small. Watching you sit and read gives me more joy than almost anything. Tonight you will get a Kindle, something that you’ve asked for, for months and months. I know you’ll be ecstatic, especially since you believe the Just Dance 3 game and your sleepover last weekend were your gifts. Ha. I’m sneaky like that. Truth is, I’m ecstatic too. I want MY KINDLE back.

Ten is so big baby girl. I know that this will be a big important year in your life. I remember being ten. Man how I loved being ten. I hope you love it as well. This year you get your wish. Daddy and I agreed to send you to sleep away camp next summer. You couldn’t be happier. I’ll work on getting there. I promise. What can I say? Your mama is a worrier. I will do everything in my power to make this a phenomenal year. For all of us.

You made me who I am today. You paved the way to make life easier on your siblings. I am forever thankful for you.

Happy 10th birthday Morgan. Mommy loves you to the moon and back.