Welcome to Thirteen (A Mixed Bag of Crazy and Confetti)

Dear Daughter:

It’s hard to believe that soon you will be a teen. Thirteen!

I am slowing down to see you, there in your blossoming glory (oh yes, I see you rolling your eyes at this declaration).

Where has the time gone? They warned me about this when you were just a handful of squishy skin with a toothless grin. I try not to gasp out loud at the realization that we only have five more years until you launch from the nest.

You are lovely. A peculiar treasure—trying desperately to fly yet fru...