to B.T. on her birthday

It's raining as I write this. It may be January but this rain reminds me of our spring semesters together. On days like today I crave walking to the dining hall with you!! If I had known how much I would miss those walks maybe I would have walked a little slower. Why were we in such a hurry?

Can you believe it has been ten years since we met? I am so glad I asked to borrow that pair of scissors. I don't remember what I needed them for but the fact that you had some (so prepared, like always!) sure did pave the way for the hilarious dynamic we have. You are the R2 to my C3PO.

2004? Who the hell is that creeper behind us??

I know this birthday is a big one for you and I am sorry I can't be there today. If you had asked me ten years ago where I would be on this day I would not have said "at home with a new baby." I wish I could take you to the beach, France, a botanical garden, tea room, bakery or some fancy city with cobblestone streets. I wish I could hug you and tell you that I love you and buy you pretty things trimmed with lace and that shade of pink that always reminds me of you.

my bridal shower

You have done so much for me and have treated me better then anyone else on the planet. I have enjoyed every phone call, email, package and post-it that I have received from you. Thank you for always making me feel special. Thank you for always having band-aids when I didn't. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for cleaning up after me. Thanks for letting me vent and cry. Thanks for laughing at my jokes. Thanks for late night calorie fests and showing up to my house with chocolates in the shape of dinosaurs. Thank you for knowing the brand of beer I drink. Thank you for living with me and putting up with my drama. Thank you for driving all over the map to see me. Thanks for always loving me and never judging my ideas. I really, really appreciate all that you do. Seriously, how did I function before we were friends?? 

day before my wedding

I know you worry about people's expectations (don't we all?) but let me tell you I ALWAYS feel like a huge spaz in your presence! You are always so prepared, so level-headed and so together! You always inspire me to eat better, get organized and take better care of myself. After hanging out with you, I always want to cook big meals, organize my socks and read Bronte. You make me want to better myself and because of your positive support I always want to push myself and reach my potential. 

You are my kindred spirit. You are a staple in my son's life and a person for my husband to turn to. You are family not only to me but my entire extended family! We love you and treasure all the time you spend with us. 

Wilder's birth

I wish the best for you BT. I want you to be SO happy. I want you to find whatever it is you are looking for. I want you to be proud and comfortable. I want you to see what I see, a person unlike any other that is made of pure, unconditional love and loyalty. You are the real deal and I hope you realize how amazing and unique you are. 

I am so lucky to have you in my life. I hope I am around to celebrate 70 more of your birthdays! I hope I get to sit on a porch with you every summer for the rest of my life. I hope we drink vodka tonics even when we are 80. I hope you dance with Henson at his wedding. I hope we do more random swimming, movie watching, traveling, gossiping, cooking and laughing throughout the years to come. 

Summer 2013

I can't wait until we are two crazy old ladies singing show tunes at the top of our lungs!

Happy Birthday B. Know that I am thinking about you, missing you and hoping you have the very best of days.  Love, your Kate.