Emma is TWELVE
When the child's birthday is almost four weeks earlier than the child's due date, one should get the impression that said child may want to always do things her way.
That's Emma.
I will pause and say, HI EM! I know you're waiting for this and I know you're reading. I hope you know how much I love that you actually read these posts. That was always my goal...to have a spot to write down what I'm thinking or send you all special messages so you can read them at any point in time. So, thank you for making that a reality.
Emma is twelve. 12. T w e l v e. How this happened is beyond me.
We all know the story by now, no? Going into labor way sooner than I should have. Laboring all day without telling the doctor because I just wasn't ready. Being reprimanded by said doctor when he found that little fun fact out. Being prepped for surgery and then being bumped 3 different times. Finally meeting my baby girl...my Emma Rose...the person I never knew I needed in my life until she was here. Yeah. We know all of this but it bears repeating.
Em was my wild child. Still is, to an extent. She was always beating up, jumping off, running fast, getting hurt, hitting, biting, growling, screaming...a spitfire to say the least.
That boundless energy and wild child tendencies has evolved into something pretty spectacular these days. I've never met a more passionate young lady. Animals, nature, friendship, wanting to do well at everything...these are the things that scream Emma Rose to me.
Em, the star student. School times have been rough during this year. There is no getting around it. She is trying her best to adapt to this new way of learning and I'm hoping she finds her rhythm once again. Look, the girl is smarter than I'll ever be and she works so hard. We've had some hiccups but such is the story of 2020.
Em, the animal lover. Emma speaks for nature. Her love for all things living is admirable. Animals hold a particularly big part of Emma's heart. Our dogs follow her like she is their mother. She knows exactly when they need an ear scratch or a belly rub. But it's not just our dogs, it's every living creature. The gentle nature that Emma expresses is like a homing beacon for animals.
Em, the nature lover. "My name is the Lorax, I speak for the trees." Emma is the Lorax. She cares so deeply about the Earth and taking care of it properly and having a sustainable future on this planet. My girl is going to do big things for this world, you mark my words.
Em, the little mother. Emma's maturity and gentle, caring nature is something that draws her siblings and other children to her. The Littles look to her for guidance. I trust her implicitly with them and know that they trust her just the same. The December connection is amazing. The "em and sa" bond is unique in many ways. Jack looks to Emma for guidance and support. Their relationship always amazes me. The 'jackandemma' that came to be 12 years ago is still going strong. True best friends and partners in crime. She is the guiding force within the siblings, a sort of leader when they need it.
Em, the daughter. Daddy and Emma have such a special relationship. They make eachother think and laugh. Greg is sometimes better at understanding her needs than I am and In so grateful for that. Grateful that she can go to him when maybe I'm failing to grasp what she needs.
Things are changing for Emma and I. As Em gets older our relationship evolves. She is my friend. My partner in crime. We are eachothers biggest cheerleaders. We have been butting heads as of recent times but that is bound to happen. Still, no one makes me laugh like Emma. No one helps me out like Emma. No one teaches me lessons in love and patience and kindness and understanding quite like Emma. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
The kids make fun of me because they think I hate their birthdays. Dear loves, I do not HATE your birthdays. I love these days. The opportunity to celebrate the person you're becoming all while reminiscing about the old days. It's priceless. The thing that makes me sad is the fact that times aren't as simple as they used to be when you were younger. I never thought I'd look back at those insane baby days as the simpler time, but here were are. But, that's not on you. That's on me and my Momma heart. Watching you all grow is such a reward-- the best reward.
Emma. My beautiful Rose. I hope you understand how special you are to so many people. How loved you are. How amazing you are. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. You make the world a better place and I know that you'll continue to do that for a very long time.
I love you, Emma Rose. With my whole heart and my whole soul. Happy birthday, my love.
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