Thirteen to Thirteen: Day 12

Lesson #12: Hire a "Manny"

From the day we told him we were expecting, I knew my dad was in love with his grandchild. When it came time for her arrival I think he would have beat Ben and I to the hospital if my mom had let him!

From the first time he met her, he called her his "Lovebug" and they've shared a special bond since the beginning.

Emily is truly blessed to have both sets of her grandparents nearby and involved in her life. But I'm choosing to write about "Poppy" tonight.

We had always planned that I would be a stay at home mom, but, 6 months in, circumstances were such that I was headed back to work part time. Deep down I knew that I was doing the right thing by financially contributing to our little family and, I'll admit that adult conversation helped keep my sanity, but I was a bit devastated to be missing out on that time with my precious girl and the thought of having to entrust her care to someone else.

So, what was a mom to do? Hire a "Manny". Yes...I hired my dad, "Poppy" to care for Emily while I worked. What a blessing that was!

Every day was an adventure: they read countless books pouring over the details on each page, watched education programs (I vividly recall my lesson on nocturnal animals-taught by my toddler), played dolls and hosted tea parties. I'll never forget the day that I got a text with a photo of his turquoise finger nails he had let her paint and his neck wrapped in a pink feather boa!

I am forever grateful for the way that he cared for her in my absence and for everything that all the grandparents have done to help shape Emily into the fine young lady she has become!

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.