I have not spent a birthday eve without reflecting on the beginning, the middle, the where we are now. There has been so much said about you, people you have walked past and with and far beyond… whispering the path of your days.
A baby girl at 11:20
You two haven’t left the hospital yet but here are dresses for today, tomorrow, her first day of preschool, kindergarten and Easter of 2001.
We are recommending physical, occupational and speech therapy.
It is hard to say at what point those sounds may become words, or if they will at all, but we will work on it.
“Hot dog” and “cheese” (your first)
We do not recommend a general education setting.
She cannot sit on the story rug because she cannot tie her shoes.
You have how many coming? Her grandparents? Two uncles? Her great-grandmother? Great Aunt too?
There is not a day that goes by that she doesn’t make me laugh.
I have never seen her without a smile on her face.
She no longer needs assistance in math class.
I will never look at autism the same again.
Your daughter, she just brightens my day.
She has taught me so much more than I have taught her.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
She gives the best hugs… has confidence in herself… is the sweetest student in my class… loves everyone the same… does not see any differences… has surpassed all of our original goals.
A baby girl at 11:20.
My baby girl, 17 years ago.
The first to teach me about loving far beyond what I ever knew possible, that “family” is so much more than two parents and a goldfish and that the world is best seen with your eyes closed and your heart wide open.
Happy Birthday to my first born, I hope I have given you a whisper of what you have given me.
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Brought tears to my eyes..
My goodness, Jessica. I just can’t believe how you continuously blow me away with your words and with your heart. I could read your perspective, your world all day long. Congratulations on such a beautiful, beautiful job – not with your words – with your daughter. Happy 17 to both of you! So much love to you!
Seventeen years of tender loving care to a dear daughter.. Happy Birthday Ashlyn! Have a wonderful years ahead of you..
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! You two are blessed to have each other.
Chills all over. Beautiful words for a beautiful girl.
Happy Birthday Ashlyn! You and your mother are super special and have had a huge, positive impact on my life.
Jessica, I know that I haven’t been in touch lately (busy with blogging stuff of my own) but I think of you and your brood often.
I was given the “Liebster Award” and would like to pass on the torch to you. FYI, Liebster is a German word meaning sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.
I hope that you will stop by for a visit, read and pass on the award. You can find my post here, http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/2012/07/liebster-award-recipient.html
I hope that you enjoy Blogher 2012 and I look forward to reading your posts.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
Mother to Two Triplets
This is breathtakingly beautiful and heart felt. It’s like it was just yesterday… That feeling. That never goes away. No matter how old our children get, we will always remember it all like it was just yesterday. Happy Birthday to your daughter. xo.
This letter should be the most beautiful birthday present! You first born has to be proud of her mom! Happy birthday to you daughter!
So beautiful. Time goes so quickly—too quickly.
Happy happy birthday sweet Ashlyn! You and your mom are amazing. Today is our twins’ birthday eve and I too can’t believe how fast these little people grow up! Hope you all have a fantastic day and a great year! xo
You made her.
She made you a mother.
Oh such gifts we give each other.
Love to you both, my friend.
You are and she is so beautiful.
This was the most beautiful birthday post I’ve ever read. Thank you for the reminder to look at where we all were. Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter.
I can’t believe she’s 17 already! Happy, Happy Birthday to her! I hope that you all have a wonderful day together. I have to say, even though I’ve never met you or your family, your stories…her stories…have changed my heart and impacted me more than you know. 🙂
I could not ask for a better comment, thank you so much Courtney, truly.
Just beautiful, Jessica, as is your daughter. Seventeen?? Does it seem like it’s flown past?
It does, I honestly can’t believe I have been a mom for 17 years. I feel like I am still supposed to be 17.
tears, tears, tears: and the good kind.
I hear you: if only a whisper of what they’ve given me.
They are happy with so little: and they only ask that they be accepted.
Happy birthday to you, special angel.
xo
Couldn’t agree more, love and acceptance is all she has ever wanted.
Beautiful~what a loving heartfelt post! Happy Birthday! Can’t believe you have a 17 yr. old!
It’s been a long tough road, but it is clear you are walking it together. Such a lovely tribute to the one who made you a mom.
Happy birthday to your oldest daughter – what blessings you are to each other. Thank you for sharing glimpses of your family.
I hope that Ashlyn has the best birthday ever! And honestly…. with you as a mom I think that she will!
My daughter will be 17 this year too… I often wonder where the time has gone. Don’t you?
I truly can’t believe she is 17. I know I think this every year but really, 17? It is SO old.
Happy birthday — and, Jessica, happy “becoming a mommy” day 🙂
17! Beautiful my friend. So beautiful. xo
Hugging you in less than one week, twice so I can take one home.
I’m thinking the same thing Alison, omigosh, 17! And thank you for your words, I like to think her spirit is contagious and I love to be able to share it here.
Beautiful Birthday post… I hope your oldest girl, has the best Birthday
Thanks so much Jen, she has plans for a new phone and a fantastic cake recipe we found on Pinterest so we’re looking forward to the day.
How is it that your writing can get any lovelier? This is. So lovely. And so full of love.
Thank you so much Jenni, I had a hard time finding a way to express her years, hoping my words did them justice in some small way.
Happy Birthday Ashlyn! This was so beautifully written.
Thanks so much Kimberly, I will pass along your Happy Birthday.
Simply beautiful. Happy birthday to your first born 🙂
Thank you so much Lisa, hoping she visits today and reads all the birthday wishes in the comments.
Oh happy birthday to her, and you! Tears in my eyes and love in my heart. If only we all viewed the world with our heart instead of our eyes. Beautiful.
I couldn’t agree more, seeing the world through her eyes has been a gift I never expected.
Oh happy happy birthday! What a very lovely post.
Thank you so much Marta. (typing as I look down at my new polish, Essie in fiji) 🙂
Happy Birthday to Ashlyn! I love the way you wove together all those years; she is so special.
Thank you so much Angela.
Love it!
Happy Birthday to your “baby” girl.
Your Friend, m.
I know, baby? What happened? Seventeen is just so old.