Happy Birthday Bean!

Eleven years ago today I became a mother.
Holy crap, am I that old?!? Apparently.

She was born with her father's cowlicks, my lips, his eyebrows, my hands and her own sense of independence and style.
She has always been patient and quiet and sweet and funny. She has always been able to amuse herself. She has always been beautiful and smart. She has always been quick to make friends.

The last year or so has been tough on my little Bean and she has come through it more gracefully than I ever could have hoped.

Tonight we're having pancakes for dinner and then tomorrow night is the big sleep-over. We're having it at grandma's house because there is a swimming pool and more room. There will be pizza and cake and swimming and giggling.