It seems like overnight she went from this...
And as much as I miss that sweet little girl, it has been immensely rewarding watching her develop into a strong and beautiful young woman!
Mikaela had been anxiously awaiting this birthday for the past 364 days--for one and only one reason. She was convinced that 13 was the perfect age for her to get a cell phone and so over the course of the past year, she spent almost every waking moment--at times it honestly did seem that way--trying to convince us that it was an absolute necessity. In fact, she even put together a 21 page word document as well as gave Bob and I a Powerpoint presentation on why she was mature and responsible enough to get her own phone. I have to say, her persistence paid off and so on her birthday, Bob and I took her to the Verizon store where she picked out her very first cell phone. It's nothing fancy, just a basic phone that she can use to keep in touch with us text her friends.
We also managed to get her a few other surprises. It turns out, one of her absolute favorite bands--Imagine Dragons--is coming to Washington D.C. in September. I was able to score a few tickets and so I'll be taking her and one of her best friends to see the show.
Mikaela also asked if she could wear some make-up now that she's a teenager. We told her she could wear it if it was subtle. Since "Subtle" is not Mikaela's middle name, I decided to take her and her friend Nadia to ULTA, a local cosmetics store and had one of their make up artists teach the girls how to properly apply it. (FWIW, I am so not a make up person, so I couldn't really teach her. It would be difficult to show her how to apply eye liner, when I don't think I've ever worn it a day in my life. :-))
All in all, we had a great time celebrating her 13th birthday. It was every bit as wonderful as the bright, kind and talented young woman she is becoming. We love you, Mikaela!
