Officially a Teenager, But Always My Baby

Just like that, I'm the mom of a teenager.  Moms of littles, believe me when I say all the clichés like 'don't sweat the little stuff', 'it's only a season', & 'you're going to miss this'.  It's all true.  Every single word every seasoned mom has muttered to me about enjoying my children while they're young; I now believe it all. 
I couldn't be more excited-nervous for this season of life.  I will graciously accept all prayers for my sanity, my wrinkles, and really for this girl to be guided by God in all that she does.  Here's to 13!

Dear Sweet Fashionista,

This is your extremely young mother writing to you.  I say that because today you became a teenager, and I just might be having a few personal issues with what that means for me. 

Stereotypically young moms have toddlers; there can even be young moms with elementary-age kids.  But the moms of teenagers?  They usually aren’t classified into any certain category, and end up being just another mom.

From the moment I laid my eyes on you though, I have felt like anything but ‘just another mom’. 

You have challenged me so very much.  Thank you for that, it’s been good for me.  Without our struggles, we won’t know our strength, ya know?

You may have been only a year old when we met, but I myself was just a kid!  I was barely 18, working my way through school to become a nurse, and had high hopes of eventually becoming a doctor and curing Alzheimer’s.  I was a success seeking dreamer.  I was a do-er.  I know you may not believe this, but THIS mom stuff I’m doing now, THIS is my dream I never knew of.

You and your father transformed me, and forced me to grow up.  I thought I wanted to, but so many times I still wanted to just be a kid, and not have to be so responsible.  I didn’t have a choice with you though.  I had to grow up, and I had to grow up fast. 

History has proven that from the depths of my soul I am a procrastinator, so had you not forced me to grow up, I may never have.  So thank you for that too. 

You changed me from a teenage drama queen into a MOM; a real true mother.  THAT is my success.  There is no greater gift that I’ve ever been given than to raise up children for God’s glory, to live and walk in His ways.  It all started with you, sweet girl. 

 

Sweetie, you make my heart squeal with delight.    

Here are 13 Fun Facts about you:

1.      You’ve been momma’s helper and daddy’s princess from day one.

2.      You are full of creativity. 

3.      You are what I like to call a low-maintenance fashionista.  You don’t fuss terribly over your outfits, but you do style yourself well, and it comes easy to you.

4.      For as long as I’ve been cooking in this house you have been right by my side, always offering to crack the eggs, stir the batter, set the table, & help with whatever needs done.  You love cooking shows and get inspired by them.

5.      You have a giant heart for children, and love nurturing and playing with little ones. 

6.      You are full of compassion. 

7.      You and I sit on the deck sipping up gallons of sun tea together all summer long. 

8.      From the time you could speak you wanted to be a veterinarian, but for the past two years you’ve talked a lot about your passion for photography.    It makes sense to me; Ever since you were a little girl you have been carrying a camera around, or asking to borrow mine to take pictures.  You’ve gotten so many creative snapshots, some that we’ve even framed.

9.      You love the outdoors just like your dad does.  You’re athletic and strong.  You love anything with wheels: bikes, skateboards, roller skates, etc.

10.  Any night we can work in a family movie night is your favorite night of the week.

11.  You drag blankets all over the house.  You have more than one on your bed, and keep blankets stashed around everywhere.  This drives me crazy, but it makes you uniquely you. 

12.  Your favorite fruit is the pear.  Do you remember the Christmas we bought like 100 pears and ate them for weeks?  I still can’t believe we finished them all!

13.  Your favorite dessert is brownies with caramel.  Guess what we’re having tomorrow night to celebrate your amazing 13 years on this Earth? BROWNIES!

 

Girl, no matter what it is you want to be or what you do in life, I KNOW that with your drive and heart, you will do it, and do it well. 

Your dad and I are so proud of the wonderful way that you are growing up.   We are so crazy blessed to be your parents! 

Love,

Momma

PS.  Today you may officially be a teenager, but it's important that you know you will ALWAYS be my baby!  I've got your back through all the highs and lows that these teen years bring you.