I met her for the first time at a pizza parlor on her third birthday. (This photo was taken on a trip to the Portland Zoo a few months later, which was the first time I ever photographed her.)
That means I never got to hold her as a baby.
I didn't get to see her first smile, I didn't get to hear her first words, and I didn't get to see her first steps.
But I've been here for nine years now and that means I've got to be there for a lot of other 'firsts' like her first time riding a bike without training wheels, her first day of kindergarten, her first missing tooth, and her first crush.
Today, she's turning 12.
And just a couple of days ago, Josh Downs and I picked out a new birthday bike for her. We decided to get something she could grow into and use throughout her teens, and talked about it being the last bike we'd end up buying for her.
And last night she called me (She was at her mom's house.) just so I could hear what she sounded like as an 11 year old for the last time.
And I know there are still plenty more 'firsts' to come, but I guess there's just something about birthdays that heightens my emotions to all of the 'lasts.'
Happy Birthday Courtney Lee - I love you Chickie.
What a lucky young lady - to have two mothers AND a dad who all adore her. Happy birthday Courtney Lee! Hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Posted by: Sophie | March 21, 2014 at 07:41 AM
This is just the sweetest picture ever. Happy Birthday Countney Lee. You have grown into a lovely young lady who is fortunate to have a family who loves and cares for you. Enjoy your day.
Posted by: Doris D. | March 21, 2014 at 07:47 AM
Happy Birthday Courtney Lee! Beautiful and sweet (with perfect eyebrows)!!! Enjoy your pre-teen year!!!! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | March 21, 2014 at 07:54 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY pretty girl! Enjoy your special day!
Posted by: DanaL | March 21, 2014 at 08:00 AM
Happy Birthday Courtney Lee! I have watched you grow through this blog and you have gone from the cute little 3 year old to a beautiful 12 year old! May you have a blessed and wonderful year!
Posted by: Deneen | March 21, 2014 at 08:42 AM
Happy Birthday Courtney Lee!
Posted by: Addie | March 21, 2014 at 09:36 AM
Sending you big Birthday Wishes for a happy, happy day Courtney!!!!!!
Posted by: Gina | March 21, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Happy Birthday, Courtney Lee! I've been watching you grow through the blog and meeting you was such a treat! You are such a sweet caring soul! I hope you have the best day!
Posted by: Kelli | March 21, 2014 at 10:34 AM
You have such a special relationship with her and I love to hear it. I have 2 stepchildren and I have nothing like that with them.
Happy Birthday Courtney Lee!! It's so sweet to watch you and the rest growing up!!!
Posted by: Nicole | March 21, 2014 at 01:02 PM
Happy Birthday Courtney!! Have a fun birthday... God Bless you sweet girl!
Posted by: Tracy | March 21, 2014 at 01:33 PM
Beautiful words, Karen (sniff). She's blessed to have you in her life.
Happy birthday Courtney Lee!
Posted by: Alby | March 21, 2014 at 06:44 PM
Happy birthday Courtney Lee :)
Posted by: Cathy | March 21, 2014 at 09:02 PM
Oh, she is such a cutie!
Posted by: Hatsuho | March 22, 2014 at 05:08 AM
Gosh, I have loved seeing her grow up....and you know one of the best things that is evident and shines through all your posts...as she has grown...her heart has grown into a loving and caring young lady. What a wonderful celebration. Looking forward to sharing many more years of a wonderful young lady
Posted by: janel | March 22, 2014 at 08:23 AM
Happy Belated Birthday, Courtney! What a lovely, warm and kindhearted young lady you are. I still have the sweet note that you wrote from the HTW. Hope that you had a magical, special day! :)
Posted by: Andrea :) | March 22, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Happy Birthday Courtney! Can't believe she is 12 already xxxx
Posted by: Julie Pulch | March 22, 2014 at 11:44 AM
Happy Birthday Courtney! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Jen Fike | March 22, 2014 at 01:51 PM
Happy Birthday beautiful Courtney!!!
Posted by: Nicky from Okotoks | March 24, 2014 at 07:16 AM