Sunday, December 09, 2007

Two in the double digits


My middle offspring is 10 years old today. I'll never forget the day I turned 10, my dad telling me 'You're out of the single digits forever, it'll be double digits from now on'. And I really stopped and thought about it for a minute and it made me feel excited. But kind of sad, at the same time, because even back then, I knew that my 'little kid' years were mostly behind me.

I love the picture of Emma above. I found it for the first time a few minutes ago in a folder of 'Anna's pictures' that she had taken in New York in July. This one gives me a glimpse of what Emma might look like as a teenager. And I love the way her wet hair made little puddles on her shoulders. We had been to Coney Island and were on the subway ride home. The girls had played in the sand and the ocean like little kids. Giggling and pushing each other in the water. It was just getting dark and as I watched them, I smiled because it brought me back to a time when they were my 'little girls' and so young and innocent. I can distinctly remember thinking back then about how, in a few years, I would long for the times when all they did was play and didn't have a care in the world. I was right to think that I would miss it. I do.

We're in a totally different stage now. A stage of friends. And rumors. And boys. And shopping. And all that 'tween stuff'. We went shopping at the mall last night, just the girls. The three of us and two friends. We had the best time. I connect with my girls so much as 'friends' now, and it reminds me of the relationship that I built with my mom, when I was their age. It's a different stage, but a good one. The innocence is still there too, and I hope a little of it always is. Just when I was feeling like Emma was a little too grown up for my taste, she asked me yesterday 'Mom, do they ever run out of room for people in heaven or can everyone fit?' and I'm challenged to figure out something I never would have thought of otherwise. She keeps me on my toes, that middle child.

Emma helps me so much to laugh, to point out things that otherwise would have gone unnoticed and to keep my faith alive. Happy 10th, my Em'!

17 comments:

Martie said...

Happy '10th' Birthday, Emma.

She is a beauty, momma! I adore this age!

Hugs and enjoy them all you can....they are grown and gone before you know what happened!

Hugs

chesneygirl said...

Aw, Renee, this is a wonderful post!! It almost made me tear up a little. And even made me kinda wishin' I had a little girl. :(

I think the relationship you have with your girls is awesome and precious. I had and have the same type of relationship with my own mom and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Happy Birthday, Emma!!!!
And to mommy too! ;)

Suzanne said...

Happy Birthday, Emma! I hope that my daughter and I will have a similarly warm relationship as she gets older.

Laurie said...

Happy Birthday, Emma!!

Cheryl Wray said...

That is such a cute picture of Emma!!!

I totally know what you mean about the age! I now have a 15 and a 11 year old. I am totally enjoying the teen years with my oldest, but it's also sad because you know they're getting more independent. I can see Delaney getting that way too! Exciting...but also kinda bittersweet!

Anne said...

Happy Happy Birthday Emma!

Melissa said...

You are so blessed to have two such sweet girls! Happy Birthday Emma!!

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday Emma! She does look so grown up in that picture!

MarkD60 said...

I remember when I turned 10, I was thinking "Wow! a decade"
Before too long you'll be at their weddings!

Mel said...

Wow, what an amazing post. Makes me sit and take stock. My girls are still in that littlie stage you speak of. Best I really enjoy every little bit. But a part of me longs to be where you are to!!

Unknown said...

What a sweet post, Renee. Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl.

mamatulip said...

Sorry, that was me above!

Michele Kovack said...

I can totally relate! I have a ten year old son and I teach 5th grade. And you are right, they are acting all teenage like, and then suddenly they are playing tag outside or coming up to my desk asking for a box for their missing tooth! Your daughter is beautiful....enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so very late, but I had to post a belated "happy birthday" to Emma, and say wow! With her pic so close to your profile pic, the resemblance is uncanny. Hoping 10 is the best year ever for Emma - and Mom!

DaniGirl

DebbieDoesLife said...

My kids birthdays always make me sentimental. Sad that the little person they used to be is leaving, yet happy for them as they are so eager to grow up.

Love the picture - hope your Christmas is great. I am sure it will be!

Veronica said...

She is simply stunning.

kristi said...

Gosh, 2 in double digits! I have 4 more years to go til' my little man is 10...Thank GOD!