Happy birthday, Manda

Eighteen years old.

New driver's license.
Voter's registration card.
She's going to get her first tattoo next week.
In college.
Job hunting.
Her own checking account.

3:46 p.m., 9-8-89, she came into the world, quiet and staring at everything like it was out to get her.

18 years later, she's headed out into the world, loud and boisterous, staring at every like it's out to get her.

She still has giant canoe feet, you know. Hands like her Aunt Kristi. Eyes like her Grandpa Clements. My nose. Her Granny Sue's mouth and chin. Her daddy's toes.

Eighteen years old.

Happy birthday, amazonbaby.