12 going on 13

"My" girl Jessica will be turning 13 in 49 days! Jessica is my niece, my older sister's daughter. She was the first grandchild on my side of the family. There is something special about the first. The fact that she was a little part of me was so amazing! Being far from having my own children, I didn't know what a special connection that was, to have a child that is in some small way, a part of you. I loved (and still do) being with her. When I was away at college when she was a toddler I missed her more then anyone (sorry Mom and Dad) and could hardly wait to see her when I came home. I would always stop at her house first thing. I can picture it so clearly in my mind...opening the door to her house and she would come running at me in just her diaper, so excited to see her Aunt Jenny and I so excited to see her. I LOVED that she was as excited to see me as I was of her. Even after being away for months at a time. My younger sister has since added another girl to my life with her baby Talea, who will be 1 year in only 12 days! I so wish they lived closer so she and I could also run into each others arms whenever we saw each other.

(5 years old)

Jeremy has been out of town for a couple weeks and I finally had Jessica come over and stay with me. It was great timing because I was fighting a cold and low on energy. She is such a great help! She changes diapers, feeds the baby, makes PB & J for the big boys, breaks up fights, and watches them all while I run to the bank. She came for two nights, but it ended up being four nights because I just didn't want to let her go. We watched the Hanna Montana Movie and High School Musical 3 and put on facial masks. So fun to be young again.

(10 years old)

Jessica is about ready to start 7th grade! Holy Cow. My sister gives me the pleasure of taking her back-to-school shopping every year. Which of course I love any chance I get to pick out girl clothes, or anything girly for that matter. There is short supply of that around my house with a house full of boys. She is all about Miley Cyrus, skinny jeans and the peace sign these days. I see her style evolve every year and its not always what I want her to pick out, but fun just the same. I asked her if she was excited for school and her answer was typical of most kids her age, "No." But after we went shopping she said, "Im excited for school now! Then I can wear my new clothes!" Success.

Here is "our" 12 going on 13 year old in her new school clothes...