My baby turns 13 today.
I remember the first time I looked in the mirror at myself after she was born. "People are going to know me as 'Genevieve's mom'".
And the thought of me--as Genevieve's mom--both thrilled and overwhelmed me.
She's always been shy and sweet. I know she's growing up and how we relate to each other will change.
I am proud of her--proud to be her mom. She is kind, smart and so talented. She's so good at loving people and a very patient big sister.
We had a birthday party for Genevieve, Lucy & Marielle a couple weeks ago. Their birthdays are so close together that it's just easier to host family all at once (plus, one party is way less stressful than three). Our good friends let us host the party at their house and it was a beautiful day.
I know that everyone in the Milwaukee area has heard of Simma's Bakery. I had heard of it, but had never ordered or eaten a cake from there. Since this birthday was The Big One, we decided to order one from Simma's. Genevieve felt so grown up when she got to choose her cake and all the fixings. She even chose the exact frosting colors based off a paint chip card that they had at the bakery! Now that's precision.
The cake turned out beautifully and it was just what she wanted.
Mari celebrated her 5th birthday.
And Luciana turned 8. This was the year to get her ears pierced, so she feels quite grown as well.
The weather forecast for the party was rain, but it held off long enough for the kids to jump in the lake.
These girls. There's bad days and good days, days when I feel like I am getting it right and days when I go to bed in tears.
But I just love them and their brand of crazy. I taught them how to floss and how to Floss. And to my Genevieve, thanks for kicking this motherhood thing off.
