The year of the teenager

As we launch the day of the "Glo Party" for Kiera's 13th birthday I can't help but reflect on the changes in this past year. First of all, she grew another inch and a half and measures 5 ft 7 in, at the moment. Last night she actually stayed up to watch tv after we went to bed,,,downstairs,,,,alone. And managed to turn out all of the lights when she went to bed later. Zoey sleeps in her room, often on her bed. The stuffed animals have been moved to the chair and no longer take up as much of her sleeping space in bed as she does. She owns clothes that we think look silly, but we understand. She listens to music that we think isn't music. She can type using only her thumbs as fast as I can using all my fingers on a keyboard. Her school work has become more demanding as they prepare them for high school, and she is up to the task. She has a great sense of humor and is fun to joke with. She is also developing a great awareness of herself and others and is a warm and loving person. She is tolerant of her friends, while also having some healthy boundaries. We see the child that she has been growing into the adult we believe she can become and it's pretty exciting.