There are people in your life that make everything worth it, and for me Isabelle is one of those people. She is my first little girl. She's tough. She's smart. She's kind. She's positive. She's all smiles. She's funny. She's crazy. She's sensitive. She's caring. She's my princess. She's an actress. She's an example. She's amazing. And today she is a teenager. WHAT???!!!When she was born we couldn't take her home from the hospital for about 8 days because she had aspirated formula (thanks, nurse) and ended up with a pneumonia. We watched her as she struggled and struggled to breathe. But she fought and she conquered. Did I mention that she's tough? She is. How many trials have we had throughout the past 13 years? Many. In those trials, who always kept smiling and dancing and lifting us up? Isabelle. Through all the trials, she stayed strong and kept all the smiles and all of the love in her heart. Remarkable.
You are an amazing girl, Isabelle. You can do hard things. I couldn't be prouder of who you are, Isabelle, and what you do every day to make life brighter for us all. You make me laugh. You care so much about each member of your family. You've always been such a light in your family's life. You are a star. 
I remember sitting in my hospital bed (one of the many times) and this time I truly believed that I couldn't possibly go on (cue Isabelle) and in comes my little princess and sits by me on said hospital bed, smiles, doesn't even say a word, holds my hand, love radiates from her. In that moment I find the strength to carry on. God surely loves me and our entire family to send us an angel like Isabelle.I've mentioned trials, but we've had far more blessings. Isabelle has been a huge source of those blessings.
HAPPY 13th birthday, daughter (a.k.a. Monkey Brains)!!!
