Sweet 16!

I can’t believe it! Emme, my first girl, my second child, my easiest labor and delivery, my spunky and dry-witted girl turned 16. Living in Germany means this milestone of a birthday is missing the usual milestone things that came for myself and Matt when we turned 16. There’s no Driver’s License to celebrate, and dating is the furthest thing from Emme’s mind and she’s not thrilled with the dating pool, yet. She also absolutely refused a surprise party, so there wasn’t any fanfare there.

I loved picking out and printing off hundred of photos of my girl from the time she was a baby to present and carefully taping them on our large radiator in the dining area. I hung the birthday sign and planned the special breakfast and dinner of her choice and picked out a fun new Lego set for her, to go along with a weekend in Paris that I planned for just her and I.

We also got to see her go to the Homecoming Dance with a fun group of girls. We went dress shopping and found something classic that she will have for a long time. We also hosted the dinner at our house that was Barbie Movie themed (just like the Homecoming Dance) for her group before they left. She asked me to do her hair and makeup and she looked beautiful.

There is a lot ahead for her and I am so happy I get to see her grow, come into her own, and really thrive. I love that she works hard at the things that matter to her, and love seeing her talents grow. I love that she is curious and thinking about things that matter and deciding what her choices will be. It reminds me to continue to be curious myself and to keep pursuing growth. I am so lucky to get to be her mom.