Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What do I see?

I think it's happening. Others told me it would. I laughed and said "no, that's a long way off." I'm talking about the transformation that has suddenly taken place in our twelve-year old daughter. Our little girl. She is our only daughter. A sister to three brothers. She is smart, talented, creative, beautiful, and just plain good. Always has been. It seems like overnight, she has become a new person. She is still all of those things I just described to you. But, now, she's growing up. When I look at her, I see her pretty face looking back at me. A face that has started to wear mascara. And, sometimes even trying to sneak on a little eyeliner. Even though we've told her "not yet" on that. I see a smiling face, wearing silver braces. Her hand, automatically in place to cover those braces when she laughs. I notice the way she spends a lot more time standing in front of the mirror in the mornings, when I think she should already be at the door watching for the bus. I am impressed at the precise skill she has mastered using a flat iron. Turning her blonde wavy hair into super-straight, shiny golden tresses. I see her, as she tells me she wants to put some color in her hair. Dark brown. Or maybe even blue or pink. And, I tell her of all the women who pay top dollars to get gorgeous blonde hair like hers. To this, I see a little bit of the eye rolling. I see her messy room with clothes laying everywhere. I hear her complaining that she needs some new jeans. And, I see her long legs and how cute she looks, wearing those Aeropostale jeans that she loves. I see her with her girlfriends, giggling and talking about how cute Jasper Cullen is. I also see her holding her little pink cell phone. It seems to be permanently attached to her hands, fingers constantly busy, texting important messages to everyone she knows. Yes, I think it's happening. Our daughter is turning into a teenager. You know what? I like what I see!

89 comments:

Small House said...

Isn't it wonderful? I have loved watching my daughter grow into a beautiful Young Woman. You are going to have so much fun! It just gets better. (note there are a few augh moments, but you live)
Have a great day.
Sandra

Daniela said...

All I can say is "oh Dear"

stephanie said...

Bless your soul - that you can have such a positive feeling about all those things that make me start to sweat when I think of my 8-year old...

I'll have to come back and check in often, for tips on survival :D

cat said...

What a sweet post. I am already stressing about those teen years tp come.

La Belle Mere said...

Awwww.... I'm glad that the impending "teenage" is a positive thing for you!

Happy SITS day!!!

LBM xxxx

Lani said...

Aw, she sounds like a sweetie:) My daughter is about to turn two- and I just know, the way time is going, it won't be long before I am writing this post. It's like a time warp, when you have kids, isn't it?

Happy SITS Day!!!!

Becky @ Our Sweet Peas said...

Happy SITS day. I remember eye liner being a BIG step when I was a teenager too. So funny! She sounds adorable. My mom used to also tell me to wait to dye my hair until I HAVE to because it is gray. Oh how I wish I had listened then ;)

Betty Manousos said...

Oh she sounds adorable. So sweet post! :)

The Expatresse said...

My girls are 9 and 11 and suddenly changing so fast. It's not just the sudden body changes (hair? boobs?), but they are People. It's weird and very wonderful.

But where did those babies go? Where?

Vodka Logic said...

Hello from SITS, and what a lovely post. Watching our girls grow up is lovely and painful at the same time. Enjoy

Elizabeth D. said...

I don't have a daughter yet (just a toddler son), but I bet watching a daughter grow up is especially interesting for us moms. Does it bring back memories for you? I'm not sure if that would be a good or bad thing. Sounds like you've got a very good daughter on your hands!

Crystalin Dunn said...

Ohhh, I can totally relate! My baby girl is 13, and totally blows me away by what an amazing Young Woman she is. I love being able to be the mom to people who remind me what life's all about. Happy SITS day!

said...

And a new era dawns...

:o)

Congrats on your SITS day!

Anonymous said...

Ah yes, the teenage years. I was a horrible teen....

Laura said...

No matter what age our little girls are..they are always our babies...your post brought back memories of my only daughter when she was 12....Im glad thats over..lol

Laura
http://mybde.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see my daughter grow into a beautiful young woman. But if Karma has anything to do with I'm going to get the same kind of attitude that I gave my mom times three!!

Happy SITS Day!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Oh boy! I've two little girls (ages 6 & 3) and I'm not at all anxious for them to turn into teens! LOL! (although I've gotten a taste of it because my 6 year old tells me frequently "I already knew that Mom."- AACK!)

Robin said...

Great post mom.....

Alison Russell said...

You are very lucky! My daughter's autism will prevent her from ever being that teenage girl. It's a mixed blessing. There will probably never be boyfriends or grandkids, but I also won't have to worry about who she's spending her time with or how late she's going to come in. It also means I'll be able to get away with sewing clothes for her for a lot longer! :) Most of the time I lover her the way she is, but every once in a while I miss the mother-daughter relationship we might have had.

Good luck with your "new" teenager!

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Nice to see your have a positive attitude about your daughter turning into a teen before your eyes.

Happy SITS Day!

Cole said...

Stopping by from SITS! Happy SITS day!! My little girl is still 13 years from being a teenager, but I know it's going to go by so fast. Hope I can be as positive about it as you are :)

Unknown said...

Hello from SITS! You are so brave, having an almost teen girl would scare me to death! I remember my teen years, and I was a good girl, but I still had a streak of trouble! :) Good luck, keep that positive additude!

Anonymous said...

I so remember the transition from little girl to little woman. Those were the days:)

Sandy said...

I have teenage boys, but my girls are only 5 and 4. I am NOT ready for them to become teenagers and probably never will be!

Sandy said...

Very sweet....! Sort of like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon.

Brandi said...

That is a beautiful post about your daughter. I was a terrible teen, so I'm so glad I have boys! LOL!

Tracey said...

Great post! My little lady turns 1 next month. I think her daddy will lock her in her room the second he notices she is turning into a teenager!! ;)

{leah} said...

Fun post. I only have boys...

Happy SITS day!

Creative Junkie said...

I have a fifteen year old daughter so I've BTDT already - and I also have a 9 year old daughter so I'm getting ready to do it all over again!

A Fist Full of Dandelions said...

So glad you like what you see. Sounds like this is a positive experience for both mother and daughter.

Unknown said...

Awwww... it's so refreshing to hear someone say they are excited for their daughter's teenage years!

Christina McKinney said...

Don't tell me that my sweet little girl will ever be anything but an adorable 1 year old! I want her to stay that small forever!! :)

Happy Monday-Stopping in from SITS

Anonymous said...

They grow up so fast, don't they?

My son, who is 7, keeps telling me he's almost a pre-teen. 'Just 2 more years, mom, and I'll be 10. That's a pre-teen!' Ahhhh!

seven thirty three said...

SHe sounds like an amazing young lady. Happy SITS day!

Holly said...

I too have a little girl finding her way into adulthood...

i like what i see also but i don't think i am ready...

Stopping in from SITS!

Happy Featured Blogger Day!

Allison said...

Great post!

Happy SITS day!

Jamie said...

We sure do grow up quick don't we?! Dropping by from SITS!

Unknown said...

A glimpse of what's to come for my Mama...hope she enjoys it as much as you seem to be!

BlogBaby (Yup, a baby who blogs!)

Heather said...

That's wonderful. I hope that you can maintain a close mother/daughter relationship. It was a difficult time for my mom and me, but it sounds like you're probably a bit more understanding and empathetic.

Happy SITS day!

Katherine said...

She sounds wonderful I can't imagine my little guy being that age, but I know it'll happen sooner than I think. Right now, I think I'll focus on his 1st birthday!

Amy said...

What a wonderful scary thing! I dread the time my children grow up, but can't wait to see the wonderful people they will become. Kind of a rock and a hard place, I guess. Good luck!

tori said...

I remember when my daughter seemed to turn into a woman overnight. I kept starring at her amazed at the changes (she kept saying "will you please stop looking at me mom!). It was in 8th grade. Wow time flies!

Annie said...

What a beautiful post! My daughter is 2 years old and I know that this day will be hear faster than I want it to! It just reminds me to cherish every milk mustache, silly giggle and imaginative song.

Unknown said...

It's so wonderful to see our little ones grow and transform. My little girl is only 10 months, so it breaks my heart to know that in a blink of an eye she'll be all grown up!

Laura said...

My youngest turned 13 in January. The only real change is she is a bit more moody than she was before, and she doesn't want me going to the movies with her & her friends anymore...but I will survive.

Jenn Erickson said...

Happy SITS day! Great article. I have an 8-year old daughter and already I can begin to relate ~ with the rolling of the eyes, the opinion about which Jonas Brother is the cutest...

Anonymous said...

Akk! I have a few years yet to worry about my 3-year old. It sounds like your daughter is beautiful! :-)

SPEAKING FROM THE CRIB said...

OMGosh - this kind of post gives me the shakes! i don't want my baby to grow up!

HAPPY SITS DAY

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day! Such a sweet post!

mommytoalot said...

awww what a great post.
I enjoyed having a teenaged girl with us. She is now almost 20.!!

Brandi said...

Happy SITS day! Love the post!

floreta said...

oo how exciting to see her grow up.

Christina said...

I'm so glad you're able to see the transition as a positive thing. So many times I hear the gripes or regret instead of the beauty... your daughter is a lucky girl.

Happy SITS day!

Anonymous said...

Oh me oh my...I've got three girls, the oldest turning 9 in a couple weeks...and I already see IT! It brings tears to my eyes...although I know it'll be good!

Jamie :)

Charlene said...

Happy SITS Day! I have a ten year old daughter and I'm SO not ready for this.

Helene said...

We have the same thing in our family....3 boys and 1 girl. I've heard so many negative things about teenagers so it's nice to hear a mom be so positive about the teen years. My 4-yr old daughter seems like she's on the edge of turning 15. I can't imagine what she'll actually be like when she's a teenager!!

Anonymous said...

My baby girl is 8 and I get a little worried when I read posts like this...so not ready for her to grow up :-(. Happy SITS day

Lesli @ aHealthyKitchen said...

HI, I just discovered your site because of SITS. What a sweet story about your daughter. You've just written on the soul of your daughter forever! Beautiful daughter - beautiful mother.

I blog about healthy living and my blog is a DO FOLLOW blog, so every comment you leave gives you an inbound link to your blog.

Smiles,
Lesli
http://aHealthyKitchen.com

Holly @ Domestic Dork said...

I love this post. My daughter is only 9 months but I know this day will come fore us too.

KristinFilut said...

It's as scary as it is great, isn't it? I've got a couple of years before The Girl gets there. I'm terrified.

Stopping by from SITS

Jessica said...

I can't wait for this!

Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

I'm a long way away from teendom as my kids are not quite 3 and 1. But I'm sure time will fly.

Robin said...

Congratulations! You have made it! Now, the fun begins...ha ha. Good luck!
-Robin
www.robingillis.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day.

Enjoy the spotlight!

I have a 12 year old and I find myself just catching glimpses of the woman she will become very soon. And man can she weild that flat iron! It's almost like her secret super power.

I hope every thing goes well with your father...my thoughts are with you.

Warmly,
Cristina

Charlotte said...

I am in a different devlopmental milestone than you that's for sure. Looking forward to seeing the woman my daughter will one day become.

Tam and John said...

Thanks for a sweet post on the goodness of having a teenager! I am living through some "argh!" years with my 17 year old son and wish I could turn back the clock. Thanks for helping me remember!

Geeta said...

Aww that's beautiful.

Stopping over from SITS... have a wonderful day, and I hope you and your daughter have a magnificent relationship in all the years ahead!

Meg said...

I haven't even mastered the flat iron! When she does dye her hair, I'm sure she'll realize that the color she was given is much better (I definitely did.)

Happy SITS Day!

Patricia said...

i love this post cause my daughter is six and growing up and I can see all the positives changes too. It's fun seeing the people that they are becoming and liking what you see.

Good for you!!!

Happy SITS day!

Raising Z and Lil C said...

I hope she stays sweet and wonderful....I did until about 16 and then my mom was ready to ship me off :) Happy SITS day!

Halle@HouseCapated said...

Happy SITS day! I am scared of the teenage years. My daughter just turned 7 and I am already worried about it. Im not really worried about her growing up, per say, but growing up and moving away from me. Cannot even fathom that thought yet.

Holly Lefevre said...

This is a sweet post. I almost cried (OK, there was a little tear in my eye!) thinking about how quickly my 2 year old and i will be experiencing these same things. Thanks for sharing.
Holly@ 504main.blogspot.com

Lamonica said...

Great post.

Stopping by from SITS

http://fabulousgccandles.blogspot.com/

I Wonder Wye said...

Stopping by from SITS. Do not have kids (just four-footed ones) but I am close to my niece, also around that age -- 13 as of March -- and it is a bittersweet experience to see her put away her beloved American Girl dolls away and pick up the Twilight series of books and experiment with flirting with boys -- fortunately she's still a sweet sweet girl......

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post!

Unknown said...

Hi from SITS! Your daughter sounds funny. good luck!
http://shaunellshair.blogspot.com

Date Girl said...

I love this post, and it's so great that you're so positive about her becoming a teen. Get ready for highs and lows. Those were some of the best and worst times I had with my parents!

Days of Whine & Noses said...

I know exactly what you mean...my oldest is 14 and youngest is 4 (both girls :)

Stopping by from SITS

Leah Rubin said...

Stopping by from SITS-- congrats on the honor!

Loved this post, and the memories it evoked of my daughter going through that phase... It's lovely, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

My little daughter is asked on a daily basis almost "will you stay this small for us forever?" and she puts her head to mine and says "Yes mommy!" Little does she know...or us for that matter! :o)

My best, Lynn

Sherri said...

It so nice to hear you say that you like what you see. It makes me a little more optimistic about my daughter being a teenager. Thank goodness I have several more years for her. My son has been very easy..even at 14 now. But I have a feeling my daughter will have the eye-rolling down pat.

Anonymous said...

Good luck :) Very sweet post.

Happy SITS day!!

Tanyia said...

I am so happy for you, that you can experience it with joy and have been blessed with a wonderful teen/preteen.

I feel much the same way and am SO thankful and it is just absolutely amazing to me to see the woman my 16 yr old is becoming... amazing.

shortmama said...

Oh it breaks my heart to think how fast time flies...I dont even want to consider my 7 yo as being a teen someday...not yet!

Becky @ Babes in Hairland said...

Ah, what a sweet post . This will be me in a couple years. I've got 3 girls, and the time is flying quicker than ever. Agh! They grow up way too fast. ENjoy your day in the SITS spotlight!

Cheryl said...

My daughter turned 13 in March and I see those exact things. Enjoy it while it is here! My prayers are with your Father and family.

Michelle (hometc) said...

Sounds a lot like my 11 year old tween who just went to her first Miley Cyrus concert (NOT to be mistaken with Hannah Montana, thank you very much!) Amazing how fast they try to grow up now.

Amber Page Writes said...

I've got a long time until my little girl turns into a teenager...and I'm both anticipating and dreading it. I hope I like what I see too!

Sarah said...

How sweet! I know that's not at all what my mom saw as she still hopes I have 'five just like me'!

Happy SITS fb day!

Mox