Congratulations on Q's 12th birthday! Every milestone for our kids should also be celebrated by us, I think! Wise parents let their children teach them valuable lessons - you are doing so well!

I understand how you feel about 12 (which I can't even imagine yet), because I can't believe that MY baby is turning 6 in March. For some reason, this one is hitting me hard! Six just seems like a young girl more than 5 did (which seemed to me to just be an extension of the whole pre-school thing). I mean, next year is 1st grade! How did that happen?

But, I glory in it and try to be aware of and open to the lessons that A has to teach me about being a mom and being myself. And, I enjoy so much watching her become her own person, even when that frustrates me!

As a woman who was pretty much on the fence about becoming a mom and didn't take well to it at all in the early stages (that 1st six months were brutal for me), I am so glad that I get to parent such a wonderful kid. I marvel at the fact that most parents must feel the same way that I do about their kids. I am thankful to know that my parents felt/feel that way about ME. It's made me feel connected to people in a way I never expected!

Happy Birthday Q!

Nicola