A few month ago we were all in the car and Maia said "Mom, explain to Ruby what 69 means."
Taken aback, Aleks and I looked at each other and said "wait, do you know what it means?"
Maia said, "Yeah! Well, no, I mean, I know it's a funny number like 420."
I think that probably sums up the 7th grade pretty well.
When I was pregnant with Maia I remember thinking, "I just hope she isn't boring." Well, we have been everything but bored for the past 12 years.
Today my oldest becomes an official teenager, that coveted age for most girls, 13. I feel like we've entered a time warp; the next 5 years are going to fly by.
We have asked a lot of Maia this year. It's been challenging for everyone. Her stable and predictable life was upended right in the middle of a physically and emotionally tumultuous time.
Throughout all the change, Maia's humor and steadfastness has remained in tact. It's been an honor to watch her grow and navigate all that comes her way.
My darling girl has an unyielding sense of justice. She is a fiercly loyal friend and sister (unless you enter her room without asking for permission). Maia continues to be a voracious reader and takes at least 2 books to school with her each day. She has a quirky sense of humor and is learning comedic timing.
We just love this kid of ours. If you know her, you probably do, too.
Happy 13th birthday Maia!
