01/30/2026
Today my firstborn turns 18. A whole adult… And I’m sitting here wondering how both a lifetime and a blink can be the same thing. How did it go by this fast?!
We found out about you when your dad and I had just left for college, ready to start our own lives. Instead, life started with you.
And from that moment on, we grew up together.
Because of you, we pushed ourselves. Your dad built his business, I found my path in the chef world, we got married, we built this family. As much as we’ve taught you as parents, you’ve been one of our greatest teachers too.
You’ve always known who you are creative, passionate about the arts, responsible, funny, and so smart. You’re an amazing big sister. Your siblings look up to you, and so do we.
It’s hard to believe this childhood chapter is closing. I’m emotional, nostalgic, and a little sad. There are so many memories the three of us before your siblings came, the chaos, the laughter, the growing pains, the fun. Were we perfect? No. We’re human. But these 18 years have been the most joyful, intense, beautiful years of my life. I honestly don’t remember who I was before I was Denise’s mom.
Our own youth got cut short when we became parents so young. But getting to watch you live, love, and experience this life we built together… getting to see the world through your eyes… it feels like a second chance at wonder. And it’s even more beautiful.
I hope when you look back at your childhood you feel loved, supported, and proud that we’re your parents. Go live your life, make your way and just know your foundation, your family, your home is always here.
Thank you God for choosing me to be your mommy.
Happy 18th, my girl. What a gift you are 🤍💕
