Oh Boy, Sweet 16!

Seems like not too long ago she was a tiny bundle of joy, learning to walk and saying her first words. And yesterday, my oldest daughter turned 16. SIXTEEN! How did this happen? One minute she’s in diapers, and the next she’s asking for car keys and talking about college. Time is a sneaky little thief, isn’t it?

It feels like just moments ago she was running around the house with a cape made out of a bed sheet, convinced she had superpowers. (To be fair, she did have the superhuman ability to leave Legos in exactly the spot where I would step on them.) Now she’s trading in her cape for a driver’s license. And let me tell you, watching her drive is an exercise in patience and sheer terror. I’m not sure if my heart will ever recover from the first time she merged onto the highway.

But all jokes aside, it’s moments like these that remind me how fleeting time is. You blink, and they’re no longer that curious toddler who needs you for everything. Instead, they’re growing into these incredible, independent young adults. It’s equal parts amazing and heartbreaking.

Every day with her has been an adventure, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. From the endless “why” questions to the late-night chats about life, I wouldn’t trade a single moment. As she blows out the candles on her 16th birthday cake, I can’t help but feel a mix of pride and nostalgia. I’m so proud of the person she’s becoming, but I also miss the days when I could scoop her up in my arms and make everything better with a hug.

So here’s to my daughter, and here’s to cherishing every single moment. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in these 16 years, it’s that time flies faster than a toddler on a sugar rush. And while I can’t slow it down, I can make sure to savor each and every second. Happy Sweet 16, my amazing girl. You’ll always be my little superhero.