Thirteen to Thirteen: Day 11

Lesson #11: Be Yourself...Be "You-nique"

Having struggled most of my life with fear of fitting in and on a constant quest for approval, it brings me great joy to see Emily so sure of her self.

From the beginning, she has been a free spirit. (At times it has posed a challenge-don't ask about age 3 and her quest for independence.) She has always had her own sense of style, a mind of her own and has not buckled to the pressure to go with the crowd. I see her so comfortable with who she is, yet so humble, and it makes my heart happy.

 

(It's not every day you find "Cinderella" with a short messy hairstyle, a tattered hemline and muddy feet on a swingset!)

Thirteen to Thirteen: Day 10

Lesson #10: Great Things Come in Small Packages

Emily, they say "great things come in small packages" and it's so true. Like the time your daddy pulled a small ring box out and asked me to spend forever with him...or the time he surprised me with diamond earrings on my 25th birthday...and then there was the day that I wrapped a pair of tiny baby nail clippers in a small box and gave it to "Nana & Poppy" with a little note to announce that you were on the way.

But nothing proves that statement more than you, precious girl! You came into our lives weighing a mere 5 pounds, 4 oz. But let me tell you, the love we felt was immeasurable (and still is).

You were so tiny. The night we brought you home, as I dressed you, I sat on the edge of that hospital bed and cried uncontrollably. Your little outfit seemed to swallow you and I couldn't believe that I was being entrusted to care for such a tiny, delicate little person.

As terrified as I was that night, we brought you home and we've survived 13 years together!

I sit in awe as I think of how you've grown: physically, emotionally, intellectually...you have blossomed into an amazing young lady are are beautiful inside and out. You are smart, funny, talented, have a huge heart and contagious joy. I could stay up all night listing things, but I think you know how I feel.

You may have come to us in a small package, but you truly are the greatest gift we have ever received.

Thirteen to Thirteen: Day 9

Lesson 9: Daddies are a girl's first love!

I've always had a good relationship with my father and I'm pretty sure as the baby girl of the family I had him wrapped around my little finger. (My sister always insisted all I had to do was flash my smile at him and I'd get whatever I wanted.)

It wasn't until Emily came into our lives that I fully understood the daddy-daughter bond and how special it really is. Watching Ben father our precious girl brought it all into perspective. It has brought so much joy to me (and on occasion, a tear to my eye) to witness the love he has for her.

 

 

 

 

Ben: You are an amazing Daddy! Emily: Don't you ever forget it!

Thirteen to Thirteen: 6-8

Again, I'm playing catch up...

Friday evening we held a surprise party for Emily. Since Chinese New Year is on her actual birthdate (January 31) this year, we celebrated with a Chinese theme. We ordered up a bunch of takeout and invited a few of her friends.


She had no clue and was quite shocked and happy to come home to a party!

 

Which brings me to the lessons...

#6: Everyone needs a surprise party once in their lifetime!

#7: I CAN keep a secret every once in a while.

#8: There is NOTHING that compares to true friends. Emily is certainly blessed with some of the best and kindest friends a girl could wish for.

Thirteen to Thirteen: Day 5

Lesson #5:

Embrace the moment!

One of the MANY things I love about Emily is her ability to embrace each and every situation, take time out to soak it all in and live life to the fullest. 

One occasion in particular comes to mind...it was autumn and our calendar was full. Each time we left home we'd drive past the park at the end of the street and she'd point out the ever growing collection of fallen leaves blanketing the grass.

I knew what she was implying...she was envisioning the biggest, best "LEAF DAY" ever. She would frequently gather a handful of leaves from our yard, throw them in the air and cheefully exclaim, "LEAF DAY!"

We were busy, though. Who had time to walk to the park for the sole purpose of tossing some leaves in the air? Certainly not me!

But one afternoon, I brought her home from school and couldn't shake the stirring I felt to make that walk. I'm so glad I did. I will never forget that afternoon - the joy on her face as the leaves cascaded around her and the squeals of delight as she jumped into piles of crisp, crunchy autumn.

Had I not listened to that little internal prompting, I would've missed the moment. Especially since the very next morning, I drove by and watched as the village crew mulched the leaves into oblivion.

I encourage you to take time out to truly enjoy the moments in life. The chance may never come again. Make beautiful memories not regrets.