Officially a teen

13. wow. That is old for one of my children. Other people have children that are 13. Not me. Mostly because having a 13 year old would make me old.

But, Seri has officially hit the milestone of being a teenager. It has been a year of adjustment as we both try to figure out where we are in our roles of mother/daughter. She is definetly making her own decisions now, which doesn't frighten me so much as it is just new. I am used to being a little more tied in to her life.
She is turning more to her father now as a buddy which does sadden me while at the same time I love to watch their relationship. All the books said that she would do this. I am just a little sad that here again I feel left out of the loop. I am allowed to have a selfish pitty party at this point.
She is truly an amazing daughter, sibling, and person. She is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and I am so proud of that. I have heard compliments from so many people on what a hard worker she is. She takes pride in working hard and satisfaction in knowing she can get the job done whatever the job may be. I look at other children her age and am so grateful for her work ethic and the fact that she never complains when asked to do something.
She is freakin strong!! Which is a benefit but also sometimes to her disadvantage as I don't think she realizes her strength. She also shows her affection in physical ways (thanks to teaching by her father) which means you may be getting a smart punch to the shoulder by way of greeting. I am trying to break her of this habit as many of us walk around with bruises. For her swimming her strength is a huge asset and what sets her apart from most of the other swimmers.
She is so comfortable with herself and has such a high self- esteem that I believe will carry her far in life. She does not feel the need to show off or try to fit in. If you like her great, if you don't, she really doesn't mind. I am comfortable in knowing that this trait will keep her out of harms way when peer pressure sets in.
I don't really think she has grown fast, nor do I long for her baby days or childhood (maybe it is because I have enough babies and children running around) I am really just excited to see what happens in her life. I can't wait to watch her learn and experience new things, learn to drive, date, go on a mission, college, all that good stuff. I really just can't wait to watch the amazing person that she will become. Besides now that i am old, I have to live vicariously through her right?
Happy Birthday Angel.