Mouth wide open

Some babies are born with their eyes wide open. They will be inquisitive and always wanting to learn more about the world around them.

Or so they say.

And sometimes a baby is born with her mouth wide open.

And she never, ever shuts it.

Ever.


And sometimes these babies grow up to be loud, spunky, and bossy.

There was a period of time when the Good Doctor would come home from school and rather than ask how the kids had been that day, he would simply ask, "So, who did Mariana fight with today?"


But sometimes those loud, spunky, bossy children become loud, spunky, independent, encouraging leaders. We have one of those.

And we couldn't be prouder. Grayer, maybe. But prouder, too.

18 years ago and a baby who wanted to announce her presence to the world.

Who knew what these 18 years would hold? It's probably a good thing we had no idea of the ride this would be! But there has never been a dull moment.

Happy 18th, Mariana, and best wishes on the next chapter.