My eldest is 15 today. It’s been a wild ride and I’m not an overly sentimental type.

Instead of doing the “my baby’s growing up” whine, I’m always eager to see what my children will do next. They are such unique individuals who never cease to amaze, frustrate, and surprise me haha

My eldest has been through a lot with me. She was the one who taught me the true value of femininity and self-worth.

She also has one of the weirdest sense of humors on the planet. So I’ve enjoyed watching her grow.

Kids always have that creative spark. They like to try new things, which is perfect for me since I don’t like sitting still and I’m always up for a new adventure.

Her love of animals is also something I treasure. I’ve always been a nature nut and sharing a love of the earth’s creatures is an incredible gift.

But as she grew, her individuality also shined through. She is her own person and there was no stopping that. I’ve always appreciated letting my kids show me who they are, and her appreciation of art and beauty is something I needed in my busy life. She has helped remind me when to slow down and just see everything for all that it is.

Being the oldest isn’t easy. But neither is being the middle kid or the youngest. No matter how we’re born there’s always something we have to deal with, and she’s been a good sport (most of the time).

Even as a girly girl, she went fishing with me and got a little dirty. She still does.

Someone once told me that having a child is like watching your heart walk around on legs. My heart belongs to all my kids, and my eldest has embodied it the longest.

And a lot can happen in a short time. The growth spurts are insane. She grew taller than me as soon as she turned 13.

I also never dreamed she would graduate high school four years early after aceing her state exam. I wasn’t a fan of her idea to graduate early at all. I didn’t want her to rush anything, but she excelled so well and learned so fast, it would have done her a disservice to hold her back. It’s a strange thing having a child who’s smarter than you. haha

But again, her sense of humor helps. I mean, how many kids dress up as a medieval beekeeper for Halloween…

So happy 15th to my eldest. She’ll be driving soon, and honestly instead of telling the usual “everyone look out” joke, if it had been legal, she probably would have been a better driver than my mom by age 13.