Growing up: A Day in the Life Sunday

Sleepovers, texts, Tango and giggles behind closed doors. School days, school friends, and lunch room drama. My daughter has a life that doesn't include me. I flashback to a post from a few years ago from Raising Tarah and wish she'd stop growing up so fast.

The sun was streaming through the windows on an almost fall day.

We were sitting in the car in the parking lot on our way to lunch. I was in the driver's seat gathering things to bring in with us: Harry Potter for the kid, purse (or just cash?), Blackberry, fleece jacket (or not?), too much loose change. .

She was wedged in beside me on the armrest checking out her hair in the rearview mirror. She did her hair herself today and created two pigtails with a touch of creativity - a ribbon wrapped around each. The ribbon matched her shirt that covered her Justice slim cords that were rolled up and slightly cropped for just a touch of attitude. The attitude was easy-going and fun.

Where's my Nook? Got the purse. Is she done primping yet?

I look up and catch my breath. Right there in the rear view mirror, reflected in my daughter's eyes is joy, quiet discovery and acceptance.

Good Night Moon. Hello Kitty. Baby blankie. Where did you go?

I hold my breath so I can remember this moment as it is right now.

By Lisa Rosendahl

Graduation: A Day in the Life Sunday

It seem like just yesterday that we left the hospital with our brand new baby girl and then were attending our first parent teacher conference. And today, our little girl is finishing up another year of school.

Where did the time go?​ In six short years, graduation will be for real. She'll be taking one giant step out of high school and another into the rest of her life. There are so many thoughts in my head right now and so many things I want to say to her along the lines of, "Do this, don't do that, follow your heart, lead with your head and remember, you will always be my little girl."

There's so much more to say and, thanks to my friend Sarah White, here are a few excerpts from a Huff Post Parents article, 10 Things I Want My Daughter To Know Before She Turns 10, that captures every mother's thoughts so well:  

1. ​It is not your job to keep the people you love happy.  Not me, not Daddy, not your brother, not your friends.  I promise, it's not. The hard truth is that you can't, anyway.
2. ​It is okay to disagree with me, and others. You are old enough to have a point of view, and I want to hear it.  So do those who love you.
3. ​You are so very beautiful. Your face now holds the baby you were and the young woman you are rapidly becoming.

This is just the beginning. Way to go kiddo!​ I am so very proud of you.