It's hard to believe it's been 18 years since Briley Mae made Autumn and me parents. One of us was more natural in the role than the other. Because Briley was our only child born via c-section, she was the only one of our children that I got to hold first. To this day, I very clearly remember the immense amount of love I had for this little bundle that had been placed into my arms. She was perfect. After a long day of waiting, anticipation, and then the panic of an emergency c-section, all was right with the world when we heard her cry from behind the curtain and Dr. Peck told us it was a girl. The doctors and nurses were all so excited because rarely do they have anyone that does not know the sex. We watched as she blossomed into an active toddler who also loved to sit and watch her favorite movies on repeat, into an energetic elementary kid with her own unique sense of fashion, to a sporty middle schooler with braces and her hair pulled back so tight it gave her a headache, to a high school underclassman trying to find her place in life, to the beautiful, confident, motivated, hardworking, faithful young woman she has become. I know at 18, there are far more years of growth and change ahead for this young lady than are behind her, but knowing she has the personality traits that take you far in life gives you so much peace as a parent.
Briley at 18 is an old soul, like her mom and dad. She is obsessed with everything running and is always working hard to improve herself. She is early to bed and early to rise, always trying to squeeze the most out of her days. She loves making her protein ice cream concoctions in her Ninja Creami, baking, and going on walks and Starbucks trips with Finley. She is annoyed by her younger brothers, who both know how to push her buttons. Our nest is feeling a little cramped for her, and she is ready to spread her wings—God’s way of pushing them along to the next stage of life. She is filled with excitement and nervousness about what lies ahead for her. “You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!”
Favorites:
Book: The Hunger Games
Movie: Princess and the Frog
Show: Gossip Girl
Color: Light Blue
Sports Team: Chiefs
Sport: Track, XC
Place: Hawaii
What makes you happy: Vacations
What do you want to be when you grow up: Physicians Assistant
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