I knew going into this parenthood thing that they were going to get bigger, they were going to get older, smarter, more interesting, funnier, more challenging, and everything, but every once in a while I get gob-smacked in the face with what an amazing ride this is.  That little tiny girl who I carried in my belly for almost a year is nearly as tall as me, now, can do math that is harder than I know how to do and reads books that enjoy…  She’s bright, smart and one of the best people I know, inside and out.  It’s trite and cliche, but so true.  My babies are my greatest blessing, and this girl who I get to share blood with is such a gift. 

 {What 12 year old wouldn’t want a pink wig for her birthday?}

She really grew up this year.  The change isn’t just physical, because she has grown over three inches, her maturity shows in her interests and humor now, as well.  Shows and movies that seemed wildly inappropriate just a year or two ago are becoming events that she and I enjoy together anymore.  Gigi and I love to snuggle up under a blanket to watch Gilmore Girls, Buffy and movies from my own tweenagerhood.  Romantic comedies are becoming more fun and less awkward, and as Harry Potter grows up and romance enters his world, she is all eyes and ears as she burns through a JK Rowling novel per week since school has started!  She is such a reader!

   

I’m still impressed with her kindness and patience.  She and Jude still profess true love for one another, committing to being BFF’s for life.  As their mom, I couldn’t be happier at that prospect!  Outside of her bro, Gigi will aquiesce to a hang out play date with her girls, Sophie and Kaylee, from time to time.  She runs like the wind in her school track team and actually won first place in our most recent 5K!  She is so amazing.

  
We feel lucky to have this girl.  All day long I was shocked to realize how old she is, and reflexively, how old we are, too!  The funny thing is that I would never go back at any time.  While I’m not chomping at the bit to see her driving or him going to college, I’m really happy to keep in watching this story.  The story started with our parents, got handed on to us, and now it’s interesting to be setting the next generation aloft.  It’s a marvelous feeling, the pride I feel when I look at them and know that I’m putting my best out into the world.  With the both of them as our representatives for our family, I feel nothing but pride. 

  
Indeed, today is her day.  But in the bigger picture, it’s also e day to celebrate the Lj legacy.  This is the day when Bradley and I started our lives in earnest, 12 short years ago.  This is when our greatest work and contribution started.  She is our seed, the one who started our family, and she has grown beautifully, smartly and with a kindness, selflessness and generosity that leaves me in awe.  Happy birthday, baby.  Thank you for picking us, for letting us love and coach you.  You are so loved- SO LOVED.  

You’ll know what I mean when you have your own kid.❤️ 


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