Thirteen

How on earth did I ever become the mother of a 13 year old?  Well, obviously, I know how I became a mother, but how has my daughter already lived for 13 years?  I'll tell you how she's lived.  Sweetly, harmoniously, and nurturingly.  

She takes care of her brothers.  She takes care of herself.  She takes care of friends.  She'd prefer not to take care of the gekko.  She's not caring for the crickets and she avoids feeding the dog... but she will pet Sassafras, especially when it's bedtime.  She even takes care of me occasionally.  Last week she made a cake for her grandfather on his 80th birthday!

She is quite agreeable to joining in most activities.  She loves to play games, especially with her cousins.  She is astonished by the conniving and cruelty this age can bring.  She is independent and enjoys time to herself.  She loves to text and is happy to now be a member of Facebook. 

Since the age of, ummm, 17 months, she's been nurturing.  Brooks was born 3 days before she was 17 months old.  She has always been happy to care for her brothers, from the birth of the very first one!  She's observant and inquisitive.  She's responsible and dependable.

We're moving to Texas and she is excited.  She loves to make new friends and is always happy for a new adventure.  Of course, the promise of nearby shopping is also exciting. (here she is meeting Amy, James, Teresa, and Sydney for the first time!) 

 and meeting Deanna.... 

Here she is meeting Elisabeth, Eppy, Amy A, with Sharalynn at E's baby shower... (don't look at my hair - I think it was in haircut shock!)

She loved her camp experience at Hollymont last year.  She's a Choctaw by tribe (camping tribe, that is) - just like her mom.  She can't wait to repeat the trip again this year. 

We surprised her with two special presents this year.  First, we are planning a trip to New York City to stay with a very special friend of mine, Sharalynn.  We are hoping to go this summer after we move. (here she is meeting Sharalynn and Tim for the first time!)

 Secondly, I bought an amethyst ring in Austria when I was fourteen years old.  I wore that ring on my left hand until Tim replaced it with an engagement ring!  I had the stones re-set in white gold for Caroline and was thrilled to present it to her - after all - the amethyst is her birthstone! 

 This year her birthday fell on Friday.  It was the same night as the 7th/8th grade semi-formal.  We had a dinner party for 7 of her closest friends - complete with stuffed shells and the chocolate fountain.  They had a great time together.  I'm quite sure it was a night she will never forget.  

Thirteen years ago that night, I was experiencing an evening I'll never forget, either.  February 20, 1996, was my first night to discover the excitement and wonder that the birth of a new baby daughter would bring.  

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Ah, the memories!