Thursday, January 28, 2010

Happy Birthday, Madeleine!



Today is my younger daughter, Madeleine's, 15th birthday. What I didn't realize 2 1/2 years ago when Katie turned 15, is that this is really the last year of childhood. What I learned once Katie turned 16 is that 16 is a real turning point in a child's life. The ability to drive (and access to a car) really does propel a person into a much more independent life. Now that I know this, I plan on really enjoying this last year of Madeleine's "childhood".

I haven't had many opportunities to brag about Madeleine here on Pam's Perspective. What better day than her birthday to do just that. Madeleine has always been a very independent, spit-fire of a girl. When she was little we called her Terry Pterodactyl for her high pitched screams and El Destructo for her whirlwind ways. She was the kid you couldn't take your eyes off for one. single. second. But she was (and still is) a happy, sunny, charming and funny girl. She never fails to bring a smile to my face and cheerfulness into a room.

As she's grown, we've learned that within this high energy, happy exterior resides a keen intelligence. Madeleine is smart as a whip and her capacity to understand the world and apply her knowledge to new situations never ceases to amazes Geoff and me. She works very hard at her studies, but somehow manages to make it look easy. And her intelligence goes far beyond book smarts. Madeleine is one of the most insightful and perceptive people I have ever met. And I don't just mean for a 15 year old. I mean for anyone of any age. Her observations about people and situations are beyond wise. She is truly an old soul.

Now I don't want you to think that she's all Einstein and Freud. Not at all. Madeleine has a wide and varied circle of friends (all of whom are wonderful). She has been able to avoid the whole High School friendship drama scene and is able to be friends with many different kids from many different groups. When she's with her friends she is funny and silly and giddy and happy. She's got the whole package: beauty (did I mention she's lovely), brains, charm and she's fun. And I plan on enjoying every moment of the next year. Because I know that when she turns 16, her life will become much more focused outside the home. And I, for one, am going to miss her.

Happy Birthday, Madeleine! You bring light and joy to my life every single day and I love you more than you will ever know.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to Madeleine! Thinking about 15 and 16 you may be on to something. Your daughter sounds like a lovely young woman. Yesterday was Nick's birthday, and I've also referred to him as an old soul. He is a very special boy.
I hope you both have a wonderful day.

mommakin said...

What a lovely tribute to a beautiful girl! Happy Birthday, Madeleine!

Gamma Sharon said...

Happy Birthday Madeleine!!! Yes, enjoy her last year, but you will enjoy the years to come as well, even with the ups and downs of growing into a women. What is the saying... "To everything a Season". I miss those days, but I don't think I would go back. Lol

nan said...

Happy Birthday to your Madeleine. She sounds like a wonderful girl!

Sandy said...

Boy you hit a homerun with that description and tribute! But what can we expect from her mother. :-) There's not much that I can add except Happy Birthday, Madeleine. You are one in a million. And along with your sister and your cousins, I can't WAIT to see where you are going. Grandpa and I love you very much and hope you're coming to visit this weekend!

CW5H2O said...

Happy Birthday, Madeleine! Today's my goddaughter's birthday too...it's an excellent day for strong, independent, beautiful women!

Gail Foelsch said...

Happy Birthday Madeleine! Pam -- I can't believe your "baby" is 15....what happened to those newborns that I visited when you lived in Phoenix?

MissKris said...

And before you know it, yours will be 31 and 33 like mine are and you'll scratch your head and wonder how on earth THAT happened! Hope she had a wonderful day!

Claudia Lawrence said...

Hi, ur blog is really nice and interesting, You have maintain it so beautifully that I truly like it. I just wanna suggest that u should go for blog advertising & marketing there is a website which is offering very unique features at affordable prices. There are Expert advertising teams who will promote ur blog & affiliate ads through all over the networks. All u have to do is submit your blog plus pay affordable prices and rest leave it to Advertising Team for Promotion & Marketing.Finally I have bookmarked ur blog & also shared with my friends hope u have a wonderful day & !!happy blogging!!.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That picture alone shows free-spirited all over. COngrats. She's beautiful. I only have one shild and I never though of 15 being the last childhood year. But that makes alot of sense. I too, will enjoy my daughter's when the time comes.....in another 11 years. lol

Unknown said...

Stopping by from SITS! I hope she has a wonderful day!

sherry dream a little designs said...

So happy to be a fellow Sits girl! your daughter is just too pretty and seems so grounded and spirited! mine just turned 20!! I cant believe it! I wrote a poem for my daughter for her highschool graduation and had it framed, its something she will have forever to remember how much I love her! Visit my blog to see it...its about halfway down.

http://www.dreamalittledesign.wordpress.com

 

Blog Design By Lindsey Joy Design © All Rights Reserved.