This is 13: Phoenix's Birthday
Hey y'all!
After years and years of preparation, I thought I would be able to handle the day my step daughter turned 13! Turns out... all those talks we had, pep talks I gave myself and all the blogs I read about what happens when your child becomes a teen have severely failed me!
Don't get me wrong...
A lot of the blogs, books and articles I read offered some sound, reasonable advice that I could learn from and try to incorporate into the future.. but what they didn't prepare me for was the feeling of fear and hopelessness that eventually cloud my mind.
We all know turning 13 is a major milestone in a kids life and it can definitely be equally as challenging. They are still technically a kid but tip toeing around the block to adulthood. Yes, they have a lot of growing and learning to do still, but they have begun the process of outgrowing their innocence.
At 13, they are in middle school and let's face it... they are exposed to more "grown up" things than one would hope at that age. And that's ok. It presents opportunities to talk, engage and understand your child as they stagger through this awkward time in their life.
What's not ok is the things they are leaving behind or forgetting.
At 13, the kisses begin to go away and the thought of any form of parental affection towards them in public makes them cringe. The sweet look of pure joy when you lift them up or tickle them becomes a sigh of " MOM" or "DAD".
So, as always.. this post is dedicated to my birthday baby, Phoenix!
My sweet P is so talented, kind, funny, beautiful and truly a gift. Every moment with her brings a sense of completeness and joy within our family. Phe is a great big sister that continues to teach, encourage and love her siblings!
This is 13:
1.What excites you most about turning 13?
Nothing really
2. What is your favorite school subject?
Math
3. What is your favorite color(s)?
pink + burgundy
4. What is your favorite food?
chicken + macaroni
5. What is your favorite book?
I don't have a fave book
6. Who is your favorite artist?
Ariana Grande, WDW and @etcetera.art
7. Who inspires you to be great?
@etcetera.art, my grandma
8. If you could do one thing forever, what would it be?
Nothing
9. Who is your favorite teacher?
Ms. Kempfe or Mr. Derrington,
10. What are you afraid of?
Any bug larger than a gnat + the dark + dying + deep vast large bodies of water.
11. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Someplace in Africa, Japan or France
12. What is your favorite song(s)?
so am i + i still do + idontwannabeyouanymore
13. What do you love the most about yourself?
my talents, my hair, and my intellect
So, there it is.. the beginning of a new chapter. I am officially a stepmom to a full on TEEN. I'm literally tearing up as I write this lol.
Phe, daddy and I love you so much! You will always be our baby no matter how old you get or how many mistakes you make. You make us proud in so many ways that it would take more than a post like this to list them. We love your confidence, smile, your drive, your ability to teach and guide those around you. Keep being Phe and never loose sight of what's real. fake or yourself!
Happy 13th birthday my love!
Want to see how much Phe has changed since 12? Check it out here.
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