by Laurie Miles

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

I thought about saying something sappy and sentimental; Then I quickly recovered my senses and realized that simply would not do at all.

As my daughter reads this on her 16th birthday, she will know how absolutely wonderful it is for me to have a teenager in my life.

Dear Allison:

You call me "Mommy" with that innocent little smile on your face. I know you want something, I just don't know what it is. Whether it's a new dress, makeup, or a sleepover, you make it very difficult to say no. It would be much easier for me if you were a total brat; then I could turn down your requests with enjoyment and pleasure.

You are incredibly smart. I guess you take after me. Of course, we all know where you get your good looks and great "parts". I'll take full credit for all that.

You are warm, sunny and pretty as can be. You light up the room when you laugh.

Do you remember that time in Nordstrom when you said that boobs should run the world? I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants right there on the spot. The sales ladies looked at us like we were nuts. Well, you were right, with one exception. Not just any old boobs will do. Your boobs should be in charge. I know if they were right now we would not be in a recession.

I can hardly believe you are 16 today. How did I go from diapers, pacifiers and teething to bras, high heels and mani/pedis? I never in a million years thought the butt I diapered would be needing a bikini wax before water skiing.

Now you get to date. I will be right behind you in the movie theatre. Its okay, really it is. I will only throw popcorn occasionally. I know you want a tall guy but I really do like the cute boy in your English class. Maybe he can wear high heels and you can wear ballet flats or something. Don't turn it down just yet. Think of the possibilities. You know, when you are sitting nobody knows who is taller than whom.

So we go to the lake today and party. We will eat, drink and be merry. We will celebrate the amazing teenage girl you have become. Secretly, I will from time to time look at you and wonder how in the hell did I ever get so lucky to end up with a daughter like you. I will wander back through the years just a little bit and remember the baby you were.

I have a particularly fond memory of your first Thanksgiving. You were 7 months old and teething. The only person you wanted in the whole wide world was your mommy. I was, of course, cooking for 8 people. That year I prepared an entire meal carrying you on my hip in the kitchen. When I tried to set you down you would cry, so I had no choice. I felt really sorry for you because you had a rash all over your face from the drool. You were really cute that day (don't you know). Man, am I glad we are done with that stuff.

There is a lot to be said for the kid that can wipe their own drool off.

The journey we went on to start our lives over was not a small thing, but we did it.

You, my darling daughter can do and be anything you want. Just reach out your hands, it is yours for the taking. You are a wonderful teenager and I am lucky to have you.

I love you

mom

Learn more about this author, Laurie Miles.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.