The Summer She Turned Pretty

Before you judge me, this is the title of a book written by Jenny Han that my daughter read this summer.  Actually she read the whole series this summer.  I so love that she likes to read. Anyway this book was about the summer when life changed in a profound way for the girl in the book.  Well, my baby went back to school today after summer break and is an 8th grader this year.  Where did the time go? Where is my 1#13oz. preemie, 26 weeker?  Well, this is the summer she turned pretty. Do not get me wrong.  She has been pretty for years.  This summer "other" people noticed.  People from the oposite persuasion shall we say. Not only are the guys more attentive, but she is wearing an independance now that she did not have at the beginning of summer. She doesn't mind staying at home alone, doesn't mind riding the bus to and from the fair to meet friends.  I told her father when we were at the boat races this summer, this is the summer, the defining moment in her life that will change her forever.  Sounds a little dramatic, I know.  But it is here.  I already find myself missing her.  I know it will only get more frequent and I have to be ok with that.  For now she still likes to spend time with the crazy lady that is her mom.  I was in the kitchen the other morning and I looked over to say something to her and looked into the lovely eyes of a young woman.  I did not look down to the eyes of a girl but straight across into "my" blue eyes. I hadn't noticed until that moment that she was almost as tall as I am now.  Wow, in the blink of an eye your babies grow up.  I am so proud of her.  She is a good girl.  I hope she always will be.  She is a good friend, wonderful daughter and amazing young woman.  The summer of 2011 - The summer she turned pretty.