she's growing up

Today is the 15th anniversary of me becoming a Mommy... yes... my baby girl is fifteen today. Where, oh where, has the time gone...
Never having been around babies, I certainly did not know what to expect... and when that little pink bundle was placed in my arms I was overwhelmed with love and wonder. She was perfectly precious... heaven sent... ours.
Her first year actually comes back quite vividly... but what I most remember about our first few months of parenthood was the day we sat in the doctor's office and were told that our little baby would not go to regular school... not be able to drive a car... she would be blind. I remember sitting in the waiting room afterwards...just sitting. And again in the car... just sitting... and imagining all of the things she would never see... oh this precious, sweet, baby girl of mine. There are many times over the years that we have thought Where is that doctor now? I'd like her to know that Laura is... and this year is no different. I wish I could tell that doctor that my daughter is getting ready to get her learner's permit and will soon be out there driving. I don't want to be mean to that doctor, I just want her to know that she was wrong (I'm thankful every day for that!)... and that maybe, next time, she could be a little more hopeful and try to put a better spin on such news for people who have only been parents for six weeks. And so today, we feel like we have hit one of those milestones... Laura is officially old enough to learn to drive (that part is slightly scary!) and her eye doctor is confident that she will pass the eye test!
I am excited for what this fifteenth year might hold for Laura. It has certainly been a year of growing pains, and while many more are probably right around the corner, there have been a lot of lessons learned... and a lot of joy shared. This girl of mine... she is beautiful. Inside and out. She gives so much joy to so many people... through her volunteering at the Equestrian Challenge... in the church choir where those ladies just love her to pieces... and to our family, every day. Yes, there are days when I want to scream... I am sure it is part of the Mommy job description... but the other moments- the ones that melt your heart? Those are the ones I am choosing to think about today... on this birthday of hers.