The age 12: a thank you to my eldest

Today you turn 12. Gulp. I can't help it, my child. It's a little hard to swallow that idea. Last night as I showed off your awesomely bad "12" cake to your dad, he said, "Wow," almost in a whisper. "We have a 12 year-old?" I nodded, biting my lip. "We're old."

So are you, Livy. You are old too. No longer a tiny babe. No longer a toddler or a child either. Somewhere now, you are in between all of that and being a full-blown adult. In between somewhere. And so smart. You are fabulously lovely and fiercely funny. You are a joy to be around and the very best dress designer I've ever met. You are a sweet thinking soul, too silly for your own good sometimes, but I wouldn't change you a bit.

I love sharing clothes and shoes with you. I love competing in Wii Just Dance with you even though the person on the left always wins. I love to watch you dance at your performances. You smile and I melt. You are so beautiful.

Please don't ever stop being you. Please follow your dreams and be all that you dream to be. Please don't let anyone get in your way. Be strong, courageous, ready for a challenge, and go out there and get what you hope for. Ask me to pray for you when you are attempting something new or crazy. Know that I will ALWAYS have your back.

I love that you are 12. I love that you look like me. I love that God knew how much I would need you and how much I would want you.

Most of all, Olivia, thank you for making me a mother, which was and is and will always be, the very most important and defining moment of my life.

Happy Birthday, babe!