How is it even possible that my youngest daughter is 18 today? Eighteen! It feels like just yesterday I was holding her just as she had been born, feeding her solid food for the first time, holding her hand as she learned to walk, getting her dressed for her first day of school, watching her perform in school plays, sending her off by herself (walking with friends) to secondary school, applying for college and most recently accepting that she has a boyfriend. Somehow, those baby years feel like both a lifetime ago and just yesterday. She’s officially an adult now although she’ll always be my baby girl!!
Over the years, she’s made me laugh, cry and burst with pride more times than I can count. She’s got a fierce spirit, a kind heart and a wicked sense of humour that keeps us all on our toes. As she celebrates this big milestone, I wanted to take a moment to reflect. Not just on how far she’s come but on all the things I love most about who she is right now.
This is a bit of a different Friday Favourite post but I am still linking up with Erika and Andrea to share my 18 favourite things about my daughter Ellie as she turns 18!
1. Her strength!
She’s been through more than people realise and has handled it with courage and quiet resilience. Her heart surgery, problems with her eyes and feet, starting nursery school a week after her 3rd birthday and being the youngest in her year all the way through school and college, being deaf in one ear, other health problems, being bullied all through primary school, the Covid years which took over most of her time at secondary school, entering into a male dominated career (engingeering), struggles with friendships and so much more. She might not always feel strong but I see it in her every single day. She is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for.
2. Her eye rolls
She’s got a signature eye roll full of sass, perfectly timed and sometimes hilarious. It drives me mad and makes me laugh at the same time. A true talent.
3. Her style!
She knows what she likes and wears it with confidence. Whether it’s a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or something bold and unexpected, like a dress with questionable tights. She owns it and always looks effortlessly cool doing it. She loves chunky, goth looking boots and she has got the red and black one's for her birthday! They're surprisingly comfortable.
4. Her independence!
She’s not afraid to do things her way even if it’s not the expected way. All through her life we have joked and have said she's hit all her milestones in "Ellie time". She’s brave enough to make her own path and determined enough to stick to it. She has been determined about her engineering career even though it is make dominated. Last year there was a class of about 25 with only 3 girls.
5. Her sense of humour!
Dry, quick, sometimes sarcastic and sometimes daft. She makes me laugh constantly. Our shared in jokes are priceless and I’ll never get tired of her funny takes on life.
6. Her music taste!
Whether it’s something we both love or a band I’ve never heard of, I admire how she connects to music. She has multiple playlists on Spotify with all genres and music for all moods. She has always loved singing, she doesn't sing out loud as much as she used to but some times I will walk in a room when she is in full voice and I love it!
7. Her stubbornness!
Yes, it’s highly frustrating sometimes but it’s also a sign of her determination. She stands her ground, speaks her mind and doesn’t let people walk over her and I wouldn't want it any other way.
8. Her bond with her sister!
They wind each other up constantly but there’s a deep love and loyalty there that’s unshakeable. The in jokes, the teasing, the protectiveness is something special.
9. Her makeup skills!
Whether she’s glammed up for a night out or playing with bold colours just because, she’s got such talent. Half the time I ask her how she did her eyeliner so perfectly and her collection of make up is impressive, I am always borrowing it but don't tell her. hehehe
10. Her courage to speak up!
She isn't the most confident speaker until she needs to and doesn’t stay quiet, especially when something feels wrong. She’s not afraid to speak her mind even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable.
11. Her love of Sushi!
She has loved it since she knew what it was and I thought it would be something she would have grown out of but no, she is still obsessed and still stinks the house out when she is eating it!
12. Her dreams!
She’s got hopes and plans bubbling away even if she’s still figuring everything. I love hearing her talk about her future and knowing that whatever she chooses she’ll make it her own.
13. Her clumsiness!
She trips over flat surfaces, walks into doors and spills things constantly and we both laugh every time.
10. Her heart!
She cares deeply even if she doesn’t always show it with words. It’s in the small things she does for people in the way she listens, notices and just gives.
14. Her honesty
She doesn’t sugar coat things and I respect that. She’ll tell you if you’ve got something in your teeth, if you are wearing something that doesn't look right and if she thinks you’re being a bit over dramatic.
15. Her grumpy morning face!
She’s not a morning person and her "do not talk to me until I’ve eaten" energy is a whole personality trait. It never fails to amuse me.
16. Her way of making boring things fun!
A trip to the supermarket becomes a comedy show and folding laundry is somehow full of laughs. She’s got a way of turning mundane moments into special memorable moments.
17. The way she holds on to memories!
She remembers moments that I’ve forgotten things I said, trips we took, random little rituals from when she was small. Her sentimentality makes me so happy.
18. Her growing confidence!
Watching her step into herself slowly but surely has been beautiful. Each year she’s become more certain of who she is and what she wants and it’s been a joy to watch!
I could write far more than eighteen things I love about Ellie but I had to stop somewhere or we’d be here all day and I’d end up crying on my keyboard. For today, on this milestone birthday these are the ones that stood out!
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