Happy 40th Chelsea

 Happy 40th Birthday to Chelsea - 

our oldest... 

(the guinea pig of three)...

and precious blessing 

who made us first time

(pre-google) parents.

Back in the olden days…life was 

BC 

(Before Chelsea) 

when PaulA and I could go out anytime without a plan,

and sleep in on weekends.

Then came 

AC 

(After Chelsea) 

when a 5-point plan was required,

sleep was a luxury,

and 

our hearts grew bigger than 

PaulA and I could have ever imagined.

People always talk about how time flies;

that it doesn’t stop for anyone... 

it’s a bird…it’s a plane…

or maybe a runaway train. 

 I remember being a brand new mom with Chelsea in Jax, FL, 

in the days between naps and feedings 

wondering…

how am I gonna get through the rest of the day?

until her 1st birthday? 

                                                             (warm Jax winters helped)

     

But before long…

time took off, gained speed, and the next thing we knew -

forty years of Chelsea zoomed by 

like a toddler running with scissors.

And now here we are

wondering... 

how it's already been forty years  

since the little girl we once held… 

grew into the amazing woman we admire....

with a family of her own.

Anywhoooo…..

Looking back at Chelsea’s different eras, 

I would often think, 

ahhh… this stage of her life 

right here, right now is the best one yet.

And then she would grow and change,

and every time I thought it couldn't get better..

Chelsea would prove me wrong.

I remember thinking that the best age was 

when Chelsea was a baby  

and fit perfectly in my arms;  

until it became a better age

 when she learned to walk and talk, 

and could tell me what she wanted.

It was also the best age when 

Chelsea needed me 

and my hugs and kisses could fix her boo-boos.

Then it became 

when she needed me less… 

but still wanted to be with me.💗

It was the best age when Chelsea didn’t drive, 

and I always knew were she was.

Sweet Bri made this for Chelsea's 16th bday

Then it became 

the best when she did drive-

and could run out to grab the milk, or drive herself home.

It was the best age when she was too young to drink

until one day... 

she was old enough to hang with me 

and share a glass of wine. 

It was the best age helping her decide 

on a prom dress;

until one day... 

she was engaged to her college sweetheart 

and we were shopping for her 

wedding dress.

Every era feels like it's the one-

the best one…

until the next one comes along 

and proves that it is too.

Happy fabulous 40th, Chelsea

(BTW, you were already fabulous.)

Thank you for making us parents and grandparents. 

It’s been an amazing adventure... 

rewarding, 

unforgettable 

and

truly priceless. 

We hope you are having the best time in Mexico/Aruba 

because Hop and I are having 

the BEST time 

with your crew 

who love you...

T H I S   M U C H .