Tomorrow she turns nine.

That means she'll be ten next year, then 11, and next thing you know, she'll be driving. I can't. I really can't.

I'm unsure whether time is my enemy or my friend. We tolerate one another but when it comes to my daughters, time and I just can't seem to compromise. Both of my girls are seemingly in fast forward, growing by leaps and bounds, and I couldn't be more proud of them!

Vivia (my youngest) recently had the spotlight, strutting her stuff in her new fall fashion pieces (see it here). Today is all about Alora; I'm writing this post on her last day as an eight year old.

Talk about bittersweet.

Last week was "spirit week" at her school. The themes were red shirt & jeans, crazy socks, sports jersey, nerd day, mustache & tie, and an extra day for superhero attire. Alora's favorite was nerd day. She loves how she looks in glasses and she made a fashion statement in her highwaters. I remember a time when she didn't feel confident enough to pull off a look like this but now... she's unstoppable.

I love it!

Confidence comes up daily in our conversations. We converse about it in the form of individuality, personal boundaries, competition, personal expression, and anything else that comes up. Life is happening and Alora is beginning to experience more of life's brutal and beautiful realities. My job is to guide her, support her, and allow her to mature.

I'm proud that she's unabashedly herself. I'm geeked that she can rock this nerd look and any other confidently. I'm excited that she's stretching her wings and pursuing her interests. I'm scared to death that she's growing up. Most of all, I'm honored that she's mine and that I get to experience life with her.

I know we have a lonnng road ahead of us- at least I hope so. Her tween years are proving that to me because I'm rolling my eyes more and so is she. We are finding the balance in our relationship as mother & daughter but also friends (so to speak).

I know you fellow parents of tweens understand what I mean.

Eight years with Alora has changed my life for the better and I believe that the ninth will be a blast. If I can hold back my tears as I watch her become more beautiful and confident, I won't miss a single moment. That is truly a blessing.

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