You Are My Sunshine.. My Only Sunshine..

Seventeen..
17...
My Itty Bitty Baby Girl is 17 years old today!!

This Momma's heart is aching yet so excited.
 It really is bittersweet..

 Aching because this next year I am going to be grasping on to every moment I have left with her as she will be starting her Senior year too soon.
 Taking many pictures because I know it will go by too fast. Doing the ugly snotty nose cry because it wont be long that she leaves for college..
 I am still adjusting, because year 16 came with a car, job and college courses, and we see less and less of her..

Yet excited because she has so many goals and plans. She is working so hard at school and kicking butt I might add, to get her ready for a sucessful career. Excited as she grows and learns about life and relationships. Heart broken as she had to learn how cruel people can be. Praying and hoping she dont allow her experiences this past year to break her joyful spirit. That she remembers whose she is. And how much she is loved..

 But this chick is fiesty and loves with all she has. She may fall down for a moment, but jumps up reminds people who she is. She is a precious daughter, a devoted and caring sister and the best Auntie Jazzy ever.
 So 17 please be kind to my sunshine..

 Jasmine.. Oh Jasmine.. my love for you grows and grows each day. From the time I held you in my arms I fell madly in love. What a pleasure it has been to watch you grow from an itty bitty baby to this grown beautiful young lady.

But go easy on your Momma. Let me soak up this time, as it is so precious to me. Let me annoy you with questions just a little longer. Let me enjoy our lunch dates and breakfast dates just a little longer. Dont get put out when my eyes get a little misty. Or when I want to take another picture. Let me snuggle some more. Let me be your duet partner in the car a little longer. Let me tell silly jokes that make you roll your eyes. This time is flying by babe, so give me some time..

I pray year 17 is the best one yet. That you make lasting friendships, that you meet all your personal goals that you set for this year. That you remember to be kind even when you dont have to be. Because that is how you were raised to be. That you always remember no matter what you are oh so loved. And your momma and daddy will always have your back..

You are my sunshine, My Only Sunshine..
Happy 17th Baby Girl..