13 Years of Making Pancakes for Her

Bella,

Today you turned 13, and for your birthday breakfast you asked me to make your favorite – pancakes.  I awoke at 6 am to do so.  To my surprise, your little sister Rosie had been up for an hour already decorating the kitchen for your special day.  Now that’s a loving sister!  We played the Zoom from the Moon birthday song on the stereo as you got ready for school.  When you came downstairs, I noticed how ecstatic you looked to finally be a teenager.  Although it’s bittersweet for your daddy to see his first born grow up so fast, I’m thrilled she’s just as amazing as the day I met her in the hospital back in 2004.

During breakfast, you asked me how I make such perfect pancakes.  It’s because I’ve had 13 years of specializing in the art of making them for my little girl!  To that end, here’s a list of 13 reasons why I think you’re so special:

1. You’re compassionate towards others
2. You’re trustworthy and dependable
3. You’re intelligent and always give all your effort
4. You’re creative, proud and assertive
5. You have ice blue eyes (even tho mom & dad both have brown)
6. You sing like an angel
7. You play the piano like an angel
8. You like to be in the spotlight
9. You don’t succumb to pressure
10. You enjoy seeing other people happy
11. You want to sit in the front row of the fastest, tallest roller coasters
12. You live your life to the fullest
13. You’ll always remember daddy was the first (but certainly not last) man to love you

So now, my big teen, know this:  No matter what happens or the great places that life takes you, you’ll always be my little girl…

With love,

Daddy