Dearest Julie...

I'll never forget the night you were born, 22 years ago.  It was 11:23 pm, after 17 hours of intense, induced, labor, complete with dry heaves between pushes.  Yours was my first "natural" childbirth since my first was a c-section due to your sister being breach. I really had NO idea what to expect, certainly not that amount of pain. I don't even remember swearing at daddy to get the anesthesiologist,  but he says I did:).  In spite of all that, as soon as I held you in my arms, and saw your beautiful brown eyes looking up at me, I was hooked and I truly forgot the pain! They say after adversity, comes the blessing and you have been a true blessing.

You were such a sweet and easy baby. I have realized that if my deliveries were difficult, than the baby was just the opposite, and you were no exception.  The whole time you laid in the icubator,  you just looked around at the lights. Your disposition was easy and fun and as you grew, you kept us smiling and laughing at your expressions and giggles. 

You were super sensitive and earned the nickname "tender heart bear" since Care Bears were popular at the time. I also called you Julie-Pooh (for your love of Winnie).   It's hard believe 22 years have passed since then and you are the woman you are today.  Here's a little trip down memory lane...

Playing dress up....my little babushka's :).

Petting zoo with mom. (My '80's permed hair phase:)

Minnie and Daisy

This is Santa's village near Big Bear. Check out the Elf's shorts...it's the 80's:) 

You're a great auntie!

You never lose your head:)

You're a nationally certified massage therapist. You really do have magic hands!

She has great friends...(these are just a few:)

You love making faces!

This was your "blonde" phase:)  You're beautiful in ANY hair color!

You're a great sister!

And a great daughter!

Julie, you have grown to be one of my best friends and you're the best person at calming me down when I have a meltdown. I miss your quiet strength, even when it sometimes translates into stubborness:). I love your ideas and creativity with music and with photography and everything.

I wish I could keep you here with me forever, but I know you need this time to be on your own and I wouldn't want you to miss that for anything! Remember you are loved and cherished by many and even though you have a million friends and fans, your number one fan is still right here at home...Me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!!

Love,  Mom:)

BTW the song that is playing is a song Julie found which sounds like it was written just for her. I have to agree with the writer..."I'd never make it through without her around"!