Herrrrrrrrre comes another one....another Teen, that is.

I remember how bent out of shape I was when Jack became a teenager. "Where does the time go?!", or, "How did this happen?!?!"

And now, here we are.

Emma is...*whispers* 13. Shhhhhhhhh, don't say it TOO loud, it still makes me cringe.

Pause to say HI EMMA. I'm sure you're reading this. Just know I love you and you are truly the best first daughter I could have ever hoped for.

I wasn't "supposed" to have a girl. Family history would indicate that I was destined for a life of boys. I would have had no complaints about that, of course, but when I found out that I was going to be a girl mom? I was over the freaking moon. 

Emma has matured into such an amazing combination of brains and beauty--inside and out. She is kind, giving, helpful, freaking hilarious. She is my Tik-Tok teacher, the Dave to my Tommy, my teacher of all life lessons. The lessons I've learned in the past 13 years are some of the most important lessons I'll ever carry with me, and for that I will never be able to thank her enough.

Emma cares deeply. About people's feelings, about animals, about nature, about equality, about what she thinks it's correct, about causes and matters that are important to her. She is brave. She is unabashedly herself. She has her shit together more than most people twice her age and this may be one of my most favorite things about her. 

Emma gets a lot of recognition for her academic achievements. As someone who struggled with school, I am so proud of the fact that school seems to not suck as badly for her as it did for me. However, I don't ever want anything to take away from the fact that Emma as a human is more important than all of that other stuff. If you know Emma, you know what I'm referring to. My grandmother always said, "There is just something about Emma", and boy, was she ever right. 

Emma is Jack's best friend. Plain and simple. Their relationship is incredible. I hope they always remain as close as they are today because it's beautiful to watch. Yes-they fight. Yes-they get on each others nerves. But, Yes-they have a relationship built on mutual respect and trust and as their Mom I don't think I could be happier with this. To have that built in bestfriend, so close to your age? They are so fortunate to have each other.

My girls couldn't be more different. This year bought 'the great bedroom divide' so they are no longer sharing a room. I dare say their relationship has improved because of this. Not that it was terrible before, because it wasn't, but they definitely get along better now that they aren't all up in each others space. Emma is legitimately Sara's hero. I'm not just saying that for the sake of sap. Sara has said it multiple times over this past year and it literally cry every single time. 

Then, there is the December connection. My twins born 4 years apart. They are very much the same person, just separated into two bodies. The things they have in common---from amazing to freaking bizarre (they are the only two to have had stitches! they both had bad eczema when they were young! they both had to get fillings on the same exact teeth!) the absolute joy that their relationship brings is refreshing and I love it so much.

Emma and Dad...these two. How do I even begin? Over the past year, their relationship has blossomed into something so cool to see. They have deep conversations, they share similar interests, she loves to help him at his job. Greg has taught her so much about 'how stuff works' and about how to work hard, and she takes it and runs with it. I love them.

And then, there is Emma and I. Let's see if I can get through writing this part without crying. This young woman has taken my life and everything I thought I knew and shook it all around and scattered it across the living room floor. But the best part of that is, she has helped me pick up those pieces of what I 'thought' I knew and has put them back together in a way that has made me a better person. Emma Rose, never forget how you saved me. I know you know what I'm talking about. And I thanked you for it then, and I'll thank you for it every day of my life. You are a gift. You are my angel. You are my best friend. You are my greatest teacher. 

Thirteen. I can hardly believe it. Here's to your teenage years, my love. Let's make the most of them.

I love you MOST.

And I thank you for choosing me To come through unto life to be A beautiful reflection of his grace For I know that a gift so great Is only one god could create And I'm reminded every time I see your face

The song that always made you smile.

Then

Now