Mallory Turns SUPER Old Today

It was a mere year ago that I wrote this post for my oldest child, Mallory.

She’s getting old, that’s for sure. The beautiful thing about having a kid in high school is that any time she makes fun of you for being old you get to remind her that she is a mere fifteen years behind you. She hates that. At least she gets an entire post dedicated to her on her 23rd Birthday, though. It more than makes up for it.

I’m pretty sure this picture is from Christmas last year when your brothers were opening up the Wii. You wanted to capture their glee.

This is from when you went to a formal recently. I loved watching you get all glammed up and from getting a text message 20 minutes later saying that your feet hurt from the shoes.

When Claire came to visit you tried to figure out the Kindle. You also had a sprained finger. I’m so glad it was the index finger.

I’ve not seen you have so much fun as when you and your cousin Kyle played with the baby.

We were all so proud of you at your Senior Show. I like this one because it’s got a little glimpse of your grandpa and because you have a megawatt smile in this photo.

Mouth full of food. And still ready for the camera. You’re genius.

This is by far my favorite (hence, the size) (holy cow, I didn’t mean to make that so large) (oh, well, it’s too late and this is my third parenthetical so I’m not turning back now) picture of the two of us together and it’s many, many years old. That day is clearly emblazoned on my mind. We were downtown in Chicago near the lake and your Granny brought her camera and took several pictures of us goofing off. You bring it out in me, you know that, kid?

Some of my favorite things about you:

1) You’re the exact same kind of cranky that I am in the morning. Not too little. Not too much.

2) When you’re friends with someone you are loyal to them and only want the best for them. You also still ask for advice concerning your friends which means you still want to learn how to be a good friend.

3) Not a day goes by when you don’t make me laugh or smile. You’re really funny and know how to laugh at yourself.

4) You can out-belch your brothers.

5) The fashion sense you possess is unique. But really. You’re going to have to stop stealing my earrings, kiddo.

6) When you’re hungry for something you don’t rest until you get it. Even if this lasts for days. Like the chocolate chip pancakes from last night that you just had to have.

7) Your work ethic is enviable. Anyone would be wise to hire you.

8 ) When the day has sucked the soul out of you and any normal person would lose it you have the wisdom to balance that with equal parts. You know when the day calls for an evening of sitting on the couch with Oreos or going for a run to the park.

9) I love your generosity of spirit, time, wealth, heart. You give freely.

10) At 23 you know when you need some time for us. Even if you can’t verbalize it and I have to ask you, “Do you just want to spend time with me? Is that what you’re asking for?” and you emphatically pronounce, “YES” because it’s finally dawned on you that we haven’t had much quality time lately.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Mallory.