Growing up it’s always been me, and my daddy trailing not far behind. My dad would do anything for me, always sticks up for me, and being the only daughter just naturally makes me daddy’s princess. Throughout my life it was like I could do no wrong and my brothers always took the heat, which probably annoyed them. But someone else who probably at times can get annoyed with me, is my mom.

Mothers and daughters naturally bump heads from the teen years and on because when we don’t get our way, we assume our moms are the root of all evil; this is when we turn to dad. We give him the puppy eyes and bat out eyelashes and they’re done for! As expected, though, we’re daddy’s girls.

As I get older and the relationships with our parents develop, I noticed things. I realized that through all of the times I gave my dad the credit I overlooked my mom, and here are a few things I’d like to say to her

1. I notice

I notice all of the things you do for me. The amount of times you transfer money into my bank account, the times you call just to check up on me, taking me shopping when necessary, or just listening to me rant about stupid things on a daily basis- I notice. I know sometimes you may feel like i'm unappreciative and bratty, which I can be, but just know everything you've ever done for me has never gone unnoticed.

2. I don’t mean half of the things I say

It pains me when we argue, It's actually on my top 5 things I hate most. We always end up saying things we don't mean and both of us know we love each other, but just know when in the heat of the moment I'd never actually intentionally try to hurt your feelings.

3. Your support means a lot to me

You've been supporting me for as long as I can remember, in everything i've never been involved in. Cheerleading, college, traveling, and even skipping that one class- sometimes you may not agree with all of my choices but I do always know that you'll support what I decide, and I get so much comfort in that feeling.

4. You’re my best friend

I'll be the first one to admit that I'm a daddy's girl, and nothing's ever going to change that, but I can tell you as I get older that there is no one else that I would rather spend my first 10 minutes of a Sunday morning on the phone with talking about how hungover I am, than you. We've been through a lot together, we've suffered loss, but with that we gained a stronger bond between the two of us. I appreciate this newfound friendship I have with you.

5. Your advice means a lot to me

Sometimes I hate your advice because it doesn't agree with my opinion, but I know you always have my best interest at heart. You wouldn't ever let me walk out of the house in anything less than flattering, your advice sometimes harsh but true. You also take the time to let me rant about my issues and then giving your take on it. Sometimes our minds don't think alike, and that's okay.

6. You raised me well

You and dad made a great team in raising me who I am today. I know that many of the days dad worked a lot you were stuck at home with three kids. I know mom-mom and pop-pop were around a lot when I was growing up, but I do also know that many of my childhood days I spent with you until dad came home in the evening.

7. I see a lot of myself in you

The reason I think we fight so much sometimes is because I see so much of myself in you. We're different, but we're also so alike and I think that's why things heat up so quickly between us when it comes to arguing. I hope to be half the person you are by the time I'm your age.

8. You’ll never compete for my love

You always admit to everyone we meet off the bat that I'm daddy's girl, which again is true, but I never want you to think that you compete for my love. Obviously I don't think you necessarily think that, but I value you both in different ways.

9. I’d be absolutely lost without you

Mom, I have no idea what I would do without you. Sometimes when we ague I think about one day not having you around all the time and it makes me appreciate our relationship more. Through the years I've realized that half of the things I have in my life, half of the goals I've achieved, and half of the things i'll do in the future- you helped me with.

10. I'm a daddy's girl with a soft spot for mom, too.

I wouldn't have been able to be as successful as I am without all of your support and help throughout the years. So thank you, I love you.