Adelaide Jane: 13 1/2 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

You are already six months into your teenage years and I feel like they’re flying by. Looking back at pictures of you from only two years ago and you’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman. No longer a baby face. Although sometimes if I catch you in the right moment, I can still see a sweet little girl who loves her mama.

You are officially into your last trimester of seventh grade. SHMS has been such a wonderful fresh start for you. You love science as well as individual societies. Mrs. Farley has awakened a joy of learning and growing in you. However, all of your teachers are adored by you, and that is such a gift.

You aged up to the 13 and 14 swim group. Now at the bottom of your age group by being the 13-year-old, you are still holding your own and many of your races. You were fortunate enough to make the Midstates Team swimming on two relays. You’ve loved cheering on your teammates & hanging out with the girls. You have made 11 State cuts~ Even three in breaststroke! I am so proud of your hard work and dedication to the new sport… Especially in the strokes that we’re not your strongest suit. And I have to point out here that you swam the 200 fly before many of the girls and boys have been swimming their entire lives!

Recently, you had a baby mouse that you discovered in your closet. Most girls would have freaked out, But you simply came downstairs to grab the broom in hopes that you could see the baby mouse outside for it to run free. This of course did not happen, but I was impressed by your calm nature, as well as your love for a little animal.

You continue to grow into your own… Always being an individual and always finding compassion for those who deserve it. As I reflect back on my own use, I am always so mesmerized at how you will stand up for other people when you know they are being wronged. This is something I didn’t know how to navigate until much older. I realize that this often may make people dislike you or disgruntled some parents who think you might be harsh to their children. Don’t ever stop standing up for what’s right and calling people out on their bullshit. You are not perfect nor am I. No one is. And our delivery is not always the best… But I will always be proud of you for never backing down for what’s right!

I love you!

Love,

Mom

Cupid’s Cuties: Valentines Festivities

 February is always a favorite month around here! 

It brings sunshine and celebrations filled with love ❤️

 

A Thompson Christmas: Sip Hot Cocoa

Adelaide and I had a little fun while in Nashville for a swim meet. We walked to the Loews Hotel to enjoy their hot chocolate affair expedience! Think a fancy teatime, but with hot cocoa and the most delicious pastries. Adelaide opted for the milk, chocolate cocoa. I enjoyed the white chocolate peppermint cocoa. I also enjoyed their festive flight of espresso martinis… hazelnut, bourbon pecan, and peppermint cream. And of course, we both delighted in the master pastry, chefs, gourmet desserts! 

It was such a fun and sweet experience to be with my oldest daughter… Enjoying a little bit of Christmas magic!

 

Adelaide Jane: 13 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

How are you an actual TEENAGER today?! It is truly hard to imagine that you've been here for THIRTEEN years...at the same time, I do not even remember my life without you!

This last year, you have shown so much growth and maturity. You are a blossoming young lady and a beautiful soul. You also keep me on my toes and give me gray hairs ;)

You have successfully completed your first year of competitive swim at Lakeside. You had wonderful short course and long course seasons. You flourished in state meets~ proving that hard work and perseverance can accomplish so much. 

                                                     

You had the privilege of swimming for Team Kentucky ay Zones in Orlando. Swimming against the best of the best throughout 15 states, you swam the max 6 individual events and anchored 5 "A" relays. You had so much fun cheering for others and sharing a room with Claire L, Lila D, and Kelsie C. And I think deep down you loved having me there as a chaperone!

                                                                 

You are thoroughly enjoying L7 at SHMS. Your growth from the last half of L6 to now is remarkable. You are back to loving math and feeling confident in your abilities. Your love for reading is growing even more with each day. You read far more than your summer reading and often can be found reading at bedtime unprompted.

 

You continue to be an amazing friend and teammate. You are embracing your role as "big sister" with the same zest as you did back when you were first given that title. You are always helping Salem with her hair in the morning; building Aspen up in his tennis & academic endeavors; bonding with Brighton over word quotas & being social. You have a beautiful role in our family of pseudo mommy & big sister.

 

But to me, you will always be my little girl; the one who made me a mom; my best friend.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy