Giana turns 11 today. And with this birthday is the arrival of all the sass and attitude I knew was attached to the number. She thinks she knows everything now for clearly she is wiser than she was a year ago and besides that, how much is there really to know about life anyway? :) She will begin to tell me that I don't know anything - after all "mom, you're a teenager of the 80's" as she often loves to remind me- whatever that has to do with anything. Things she once thought were funny are now suddenly incredibly annoying especially when it's me doing it. She will tell me she hates me ....starting soon. It will hurt.

But it's ok because I know she is about to begin a new stage in her life. She will still love me and need me despite her deep belief that she doesn't. I know this all because I did it to my own mother who I of course love so much and need still at ripe old age of 43 (although I swear it was a brief stage and started much later). So my vow for the next few years is that I will try to keep my cool, not take anything personally and remember always that she is my star; the strong, creative, unique little person I always dreamed of knowing. I will kiss her and hug her and "love her up" as I always did. Happy Birthday Butterfly! Thanks for all the joy you have brought and will continue to bring to my life. I love you so much xoxox.