Eleventeen

Today is Peanut’s birthday. Eleven years ago today I was promoted to Nana status.

Last year, Peanut officially broke into double digits. This year, she’s adding tween attitude. 🙂

She is my oldest grand girl. And, life has dealt her a lot of change in eleven years. Now, she’ll be headed into more change as she enters into her official tween and teen years.

She is quick to inform everyone she’s a “tomboy” and not a “girly-girl.” She loves to be outdoors, but is just as comfortable curled up with a book. Introverted and sensitive, most of the time she fiercely resists change. She hates being the center of attention and many times is overcome by fear and social anxiety. But, last year I saw some things in her that made me smile and gave me hope.

She auditioned for 4th-grade Honor Choir at school. And made it. A huge step. She even tried out for a solo…which left me speechless. She was not selected, but to even consider this was a huge step for her.

This year, she missed her audition time for 5th-grade Honor Choir and I thought, well, that’s it. There’s no way she will pursue it anymore. But I was wrong. She went to the new music teacher and auditioned by herself. And made it again. She’s even talking about auditioning for another solo.

Her godmother’s wedding in Florida this past May was huge anxiety event. She did actually have a full-blown anxiety attack after the rehearsal, but made it through the wedding in adorable fashion. Just to be safe, they both wore diffuser necklaces with lots of ylang ylang and lavender oil.

I’m encouraged she is taking a few more risks. She has a core group of friends I hope will keep each other strong and on the correct path as they move into middle and high school. Sometimes she is fiercely independent, yet still a little girl who needs to feel safe and secure. She is pushing boundaries and learning about consequences.

She is growing up right before our eyes. Eleven is hard. Her attitude drives us all crazy. Big physical and emotional changes are gong on inside those little bodies and brains. It’s a scary time these tweenage years. Scary, exciting, and full of awww moments as we all watch to see what kind of young woman she will become. All while we try and help her navigate this growing-up thing. And we pray…..a lot.

And though she be but little, she is fierce.
~William Shakespeare

Blog hopping today with Sandee at Comedy Plus for Awwww Monday.