Olivia is a teenager

Today I am the mother of a teenager. Happy 13th to my daughter, Olivia Paige.

Thirteen years ago at 11:31pm on March 14, 1999 my world changed forever. When I first found out I was pregnant (July 1, 1998), it had been after 2-1/2 years of infertility. To say I was overjoyed is an understatement. It took a blood test at my doctor's office to confirm my suspicions since 3 at-home tests all indicated negative.

My original due date was February 28, then moved to March 6th. Guess what? She was late...and has maintained that part of her personality since day one (haha). I ended up being induced the morning of Sunday, March 14th. I arrived at the hospital about 7:30 and they broke my water around 9ish. I got an epidural to help with the pain and waited patiently throughout the day for progress. Around 9:00pm, the doctor came in and explained to me that he would give my body one more hour to work on it's own, otherwise, he would recommend a c-section. The tears. They came. At 11:00pm I was wheeled into the OR to delivery my baby (sex unknown at the time).

Thirty one minutes later I was a mom. T~O~T~A~L~L~Y shocked to find out I had delivered a girl. My gut told me all along (based on boys being dominating in the family) that I would probably have a boy. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. To say I was overjoyed is an even bigger understatement. I know deep, deep down I was hoping for a girl. But, after 2-1/2 years of trying, I would have been happy with either.

13 years later, I am still one happy, proud mom.

Happy, Happy Birthday to my daughter who means the world to me!