13

Today we officially enter the teen years.  D is 13 today.  Here's some things about D that you should know:

13 - This teen thing isn't that shocking.  She's always been a teenager at heart.  She had "the look" perfected when I met her at age 5.  Which had me worried.

12 - D is an easy teen.  She's young for her class, so we're already half way through junior high.  While there have been crushes and mean girls, she's navigating it with grace.

11 - One of her favorite things to do, even when she was 5, is paint our nails together.  It's our girl time.  We chat about boys, life, movies and growing up.  Some of the things that she says shows how wise she is. 

10 - Even though she's in junior high, she'll still give us hugs and kisses in public.  There are many times when we'll be together, waiting for something or chatting with people at church and D will go up to hug her daddy.  I love that those things are natural. 

9 - She's got her heart set on becoming a baker.  It's been her dream for years now.  She's incredibly talented.  She has great ideas, good instincts and is willing to work to perfect her craft.  I'm amazed at her passion.

8 - She's a trendsetter.  If feather earrings are in, she'll have 5 pairs.  If blue eyeshadow is in, she's got it.  Right now, she's totally into neon.  The brighter the green, the better.  What's even more awesome, she knows how to wear it.  Which is truly saying something because neon isn't quite the skintone complimenter as some might think.

7 - She's an excellent sister.  She takes time to hang with Zoe.  They are thick as thieves.  When you have 8 years difference, that's not always the case.  Those two love each other in ways I prayed they would.

6 - She's trustworthy.  In a world where there is pressure on kids in ways I didn't experience, D usually picks the high road.  She's a friend that won't tell your secrets, a person who won't judge you and she cares deeply for people. 

5 - She loves things that make adults sore:  swimming laps, rollerskating, Just Dance on the Wii...  When she gives you her smile, you totally give in because no one can resist it.

4 - She can totally sleep until noon, unless we're doing something mentioned above and then she's up with the sun. 

3 - She's kind, loyal and fun. 

2 - She's growing into such a stunning woman, both inside and out.  I'm amazed at her maturity, her passion, her joy in life. 

1 - She's a daughter you'd be proud to claim. 

Happy birthday D!  We are so honored to call you daughter.  I've watched you grow from a child into the beautiful, young lady you are today.  You absolutely take my breath away.  I look at you and am awed by your beauty.  When I look deeper and see you heart, you leave my speechless.  You are kind, compassionate, joyful and wise.  I love to see how God is molding you.  You are His handiwork and He doesn't make mistakes. 

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.  You are a blessing far beyond anything I deserve.  I pray that today is filled with blessings, laughter and the reminder of how truly amazing you are.

Love you sweetie.