It absolutely amazes me that the baby in this photograph is twelve years old today. And what a wonderful twelve-year-old she is.
Before I became a mother, I thought parenting was a one-way street, with the adult passing wisdom on to the child. But now, of course, I know that children teach us just as much as we teach them.
Lexie has her compass firmly fixed on her North Star and she never wavers. I’m afraid my own compass is a bit wobbly at times, veering from due north with the whims and opinions—and needs—of others. But I’ve been watching how Lexie stays true to herself and it’s helping me see my North Star a little more clearly.
She’s a wonderful mix of old soul and young tween. One minute she’ll be writing fiction with a discipline most adults would envy and the next she’ll be giggling with her friends over One Direction. I’m fascinated by her many facets: the pianist and drummer, the tomboy playing football, the glamorous young lady all dressed up, the volleyball player, the reader, the big sister playing with American Girl dolls, the artist drawing anime characters, the occasionally shy girl, the dancer belting out songs onstage, the seamstress and knitter.
Lexie’s in middle school now, facing a new set of challenges. I stand below her, metaphorically speaking, clasping a net, ready to catch her if she falls. But she is so sure-footed, compass in hand. You worry too much, Mom, she says, smiling down at me. I don’t know where that remarkable self-assuredness comes from, but I’m glad she has it. As she enters these years when girls can start to doubt themselves, I pray that she will always see how truly wonderful and beautiful she is.
The photograph was taken by the gorgeously talented Claudia Danielson. I don’t remember how we happened upon Claudia, but I’m so glad we did. Her portraits of our children hang above our bed and they make me smile every day.
For a second I thought that was Meg Ryan kissing your baby! You both are beautiful. Lexie is lucky to have YOU as a mom! Love.
Amen to Angie’s comment. Two beautiful (inside and out) young women! Thank you for producing such a beautiful daughter, that I too get to love, cherish and enjoy. Love to you both.
oh, you just made me cry. I’m so proud of my girl too and I hope she is always so self assured and self possessed as she seems to be now. A conversation from last night (Ruby is TWO years old and talking like a teen):
Daddy: I like your hair Ruby, such a pretty light blond color.
Ruby: I wan my hair ta be purple.
Daddy: Purple, really?
Ruby: Yeah. I gon’ grow up soon. Cuz I’m a big girl.
Daddy: Don’t grow up too soon. You’ll be a big girl the rest of your life. It’s ok to be little.
No idea where she got the idea about purple hair, none! But isn’t it a treasure to see them growing up?
Sometimes I miss that choppy hair, Angie! It was so easy to deal with.
Jennifer, what a sweet conversation. Ruby is a little wonder. Make sure you write these things down! All of my kids LOVE to hear about the things they said when they were little.