January 8, 2017. This is eleven. I talked about her turning this age, but today, I repeat what I’ve said here before – I will never quite be able to embrace time’s passage. Eleven is inching toward grit and grace, the tween and teen years, the becoming of who my daughter will be as an adult. But for now, I only focus on who she is today.
Eleven means closing doors. There are thoughts and tears and emotions I am not privy to anymore. She’s trying to figure them out on her own.
Eleven is long limbs, light brown hair that glimmers in the sunlight and now, and checking in the mirror to see if her outfit looks put together.
Eleven means carrying her own light brown purse, zipping around the house, collecting Kleenex, lip gloss and bandaids. When I ask her, “Why these things?” She says, “I might need it, Momma.”
Eleven is saying mom and dad in public. Always Momma and Daddy in our home though.
Eleven is expressive and defiant. “You don’t understand, Mom,” “I hate this,” or “Whatever.”
Eleven is empathetic. “Momma, are you ok?” Especially when she sees me napping or when I have a headache.
Eleven is tennis. Backhands, forehands and cross-court shots. It means winning games and matches, but learning how to lose too.
Eleven is everything baking especially from the Bouchon Bakery book. Brownies, cookies, cake pops, biscuits, pecan pie and cornbread – always from scratch.
Eleven is still filled with horseplay with her father, cuddles with me and silliness with her grandmother.
Eleven means FaceTime with her aunt, Musically with her friends and liking pictures on my Instagram.
Eleven is eager to please. Affirmation is important,whether you are and adult or a child.
Eleven is vacillating between acting like an “adult,” but still reverting to what she loves in childhood. Cuddly blankets, My Little Pony and crawling into bed with us in the middle of the night.
Eleven is a precipice of new beginnings, discoveries and storing memories.
Eleven is here. And I will savor every moment, my dear little-big girl.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
What a big day! Wishing your sweet girl a very happy birthday ?!
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Windy!
Happy birthday to your dear little/big girl!
My granddaughters are this age (and one year behind) and I am blessed to experience this age of entry into adulthood twice more with a little five year old on the horizon as well. . . life doesn’t get any better than this.
Thank you for bring this to my awareness today and many wishes for a fabulous birthday celebration:-)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this age, Trish and of course, we appreciate the wonderful birthday wishes. xo
Happy birthday, dear N. you are loved!!
Thanks, Ker!
Ah, 11. I honestly remember being in shock that your daughter was turning eight or nine (can’t remember which), and that meant that Scarlet was four or five! Babies!
I remember still playing with dolls at 11, but also going on a DATE. A fake date, but still. Oh those funny places where childhood and adulthood meet!
Yes, time is moving at a speed that consistently makes me feel uncomfortable. We are firmly rooted in an in-between zone and trying to navigate the good and the bad.
Happy Eleven!!! What a lovely nod to another magical age.
Thanks, Kristen!
Happy Eleven to your sweet girl! Wishing her happiness! Congrats to you! xox0
Thanks, Ayala!
That was so beautiful. Loved every word.
Thank you!
What a beautiful young lady! It is an exciting time for her and bittersweet for you. Enjoy all of it. The next few years, believe it or not, go even quicker.
Ahh, I am certain they do. I am trying to soak up every single breathtaking second. Thanks for your insight.
Awww, so sad and sweet. You described that precipice so well, Rudri. My son is just 9 and yet I already see some of what you discussed. It sometimes breaks my heart but I know that after all is said and done, I still have confidence that he has a good, steady heart. I am sure your daughter is the same. xoxo
I think what you articulate, Joy, is the hope -that they eventually grow up to be kind people and surround themselves with people who bring out the best in them.