still a kid

Happy birthday, my sweet cheeks!

I was reading last year's blog post letter to you and it made me cry. (I know, I know...everything makes me cry.) I could write those exact words today. I vaguely recall struggling to think what to write and how to write it last year and I couldn't have said what I needed to, any better than I did.

Motherhood is the biggest gift you have ever given me. It rocks and rolls, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I am a little less the sunshine center of your comfort zone, sweet girl, as it should be. You shine your own light and I will be the moon radiating it back to you. I admire your self-confidence and empathy with others and your humble pride in your strengths.

Your favorites are unchanged; soccer, dance, knitting, reading, cozy cozy, and Eeyore. You have come to love American Girl, as well, with Kirsten becoming a part of the family. You are steady, my sweet girl. Change is not your favorite thing. Having noticed this, I have also noticed so much growth this past year. The 12-year change is very real and you have grown both physically and emotionally. I am so incredibly proud of you.

You are still a kid. Thirteen has brought up a mix of emotions and comments from you and those around you. Thirteen is still a kid. You just be who you are. An age change doesn't suddenly make you someone or somehow different. It is just another small door opening to what adventures lay ahead.

I love you to the moon and back a thousand million zillion times, Lala Bug. I hope you never truly doubt that.

Love, Mamma