Saturday, May 23, 2009

Sunrise, Sunset

“Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
swiftly flow the days
seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
blossoming even as we gaze….”

Senior week has begun. The next few days will be filled with parties, Baccalaureate, exams, graduation practice, and yes, graduation. Friday night will be here before we know it.

And our lives will never be the same.

Eighteen years ago, a beautiful baby was born. Her parents had many hopes and dreams for her. What would the future hold? Would those dreams be fulfilled? Would she blossom into a respectable kid and teen?

Hard to believe that time is already here. In some ways, the past eighteen years have gone by so slowly. But, now that we are facing graduation, I realize just how quickly time has flown.

When did this chubby cheeked baby



turn into this energetic, crazy kid?



When did this happy, blonde toddler



grow into this beautiful girl?



When did this perky preschooler



bloom into a fun-loving teenager?



When did this sweet six year old



become a gorgeous woman?



Did I miss all those days? I must have because now I can’t remember how she grew from a cranky baby into adulthood.

As the first born, Katie had to endure our first trials at parenthood. She was the one who taught us what to do and what not to do; she was the one who helped us grow into our role as parents.

And now my baby is graduating and leaving. Leaving for a life all of her own. Without me. What am I going to do?

My tiny baby has become someone I really count on. My chubby cheeked toddler has become someone I enjoy being with. My preschooler has become a reliable, responsible adult.

My little girl has become my best friend.

I love you, baby girl.

12 comments:

Shari U said...

Boo Hoo. You're making me cry and I don't even know Katie. She was a pretty little baby and now a beautiful young woman. Hope ya'll have a wonderful week and make lots of great memories.

NeuroMama said...

Oh, Kristin! You made me cry too. What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful (inside and out) daughter (at least, that's how she seems from your blog).

Carrie said...

I am crying with you! Thank you for sharing!

wingepr said...

oh my goodness, thanks for the warning. What a lovely post. She is certaintly a beautiful young woman. So happy for you.

The time goes too fast.

Jboo said...

Oh my -- so sweet! What a cute baby and little girl and now such a beautiful young woman! Aren't you such a lucky mom! Enjoy senior week - keep your kleenex handy! Have a great week!

Janet

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

How gorgeous... I can only hope that my daughter grows to be as beautiful as your daughter...

The Hams said...

That was so sweet- I love it! I certainly see now how fast the time passes by =) THANK YOU for all of your wonderful, encouraging words and please know that they are never un-noticed and always appreciated! I miss you!!

The Johnson 5 said...

Oh girl, I feel all those same things. It was beautifully written. I have a few more years before my first baby bird takes flight but I know (just as you do) that because of my husband and I he will be ready to take on the world.

Congrats to your beautiful girl for her accomplishments and congrats to mom and dad for raising such a good girl!

Denise Grover Swank said...

Oh, Kristin, it's not the end. I promise. It's the beginning, the beginning of a new relationship with her. I admit that it's hard to watch your children live their lives and they no longer ask your permission to do things and they have a life that no longer revolves around you. But it's that much more special when they DO have that other life and they really want you to still be part of it. But it's still hard to see them go.

XOXOXOXOXO

Laurie said...

Yup. The warning was necessary. What a beautiful post, for a beautiful girl.

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Beautiful post...

And a nice stroll down memory lane with the adorable photos.

I've never noticed how fast time really flies until I became a parent.

Julie said...

Okay, not good to read after watching Marley and me. I am now off to find that magic powder that makes both the girls and the furry girls not age!!!!!

I love the bacc. pics here and on FB!!! Is she going on a senior trip? If so tell her she is NOT allowed to EVER get in a car with someone she did not travel with! Can you tell Natalee Holloway was from my town???!!!