I looked at him and I said, we have an adult child.
His mouth fell open and then he plunged his head under the covers.
It's true, our oldest "child" will be 21 tomorrow.
She will be legal, as she keeps telling us, her eyes sparkling.
And what a beautiful 21 year old person she will be!
This past summer she helped me get this fledgling business off the ground. She took over the Facebook page, scoured the Zagats guides for possible business leads, helped me pick out our brand colors, craft our brand statement and worked on the wireframe for this very site. She has always been wise beyond her years, with sensible and firm opinions. My mother used to look at her - even as a small baby - and proclaim her "deep"; and she was right. My angel, as I have always called her, also has a wry and unexpected wit beneath her often reserved demeanor.
It is amazing to look at this delightful young woman with a forthright and intelligent approach to life, firmly grounded on her lovely two feet -- and impossible for me not to KVELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know I'm sitting here with my tears welling up. Any one who has watched babies grow to adults know exactly what "bursting with pride" feels like. Kvell! Kvell! Kvell!
I wish we could pop some champagne at midnight together! But alas, she is away at college, so in spirit it will be. Her friends will take her out and toast her special day. At 21, that's just where she should be. Now, I'm off to make her a cake, sending it overnight express. The bittersweet chocolate cake that's on our winter delights offering, but without the raspberry, I think. She's more of a purist, especially when it comes to chocolate! A deep, dark chocolate is her favorite ... I was deciding between a marshmallow frosting or a chocolate ganache, but this cake is incredible with a thin covering of chocolate ganache, bittersweet bliss. I can imagine how she'll smile with every bite she'll take - just like my little girl.
Happy birthday, my sweet angel.
I'm looking forward to having you home soon.
And don't forget to pick up the package!