12 YEARS OLD

I want to always remember that the day you turned 12 I took you on an afternoon date.  We went to lunch (you chose Mikados) and then shopping.  As we shopped you made your purchases from your own wallet.  You were careful about your purchases and handled yourself with ease with the cashier.  You looked so grown up.  Yet on this same date you also confided that you had previously thought you would give up sleeping with stuffed animals at 12...you decided today that you would at least wait until you are 14.  I am so grateful that although you are growing up quickly, you are still our little girl.