And Then You Were 13

We have become inseparable, from the moment I turned around to find you following me (3 years old), through the following ten years, you remain close to me. I love how excited you get to spend time with me, especially when we get to play sports together!

We have a DePoy tradition... Every year at birthday celebrations, we put a chair in the center of the room and we all take turns speaking Truth to them. We point out a favorite memory, and a character quality that we admire. We shape the identity of each member of our family. Stories are shared and laughter travels quickly. It's my favorite tradition of all time!

You seem to have an uncomfortable relationship with attention. To be honest, I can never tell if you crave it or if you detest it. You are always telling me to put my camera away! But it seems you feel lost in the shadow of Mariah sometimes. I wonder if you are jealous of her stage, always performing for a crowd. Perhaps you just prefer a few quality friends instead of a shallow crowd? Maybe you just  want the attention of one, deeply - rather than a handful who can only scratch the surface.

For the record, I love to watch you performing (sports, theatre, or orchestra) in front of the masses.
But.
I think I'd rather take a long walk, and talk with you alone. I'm kinda jealous for your time...

Your 13th Birthday party was a shared with Mariah's 16th, and Hanna joined us too! Most of the DePoy family was in attendance (David Hulings was off at college at Indiana Wesleyan, and Brianna was in Florida with grandparent's. Janelle was home with Kaelyn who sick!).

Teresa set up activity games, arts & crafts, and lots of yummy food! Afterwards, we all went to the park and played, and you couldn't make up your mind which sport you wanted to play more. So we tossed the football and kicked the soccer ball at the same time.

Ambria. You're probably sick of me saying the same things in every post. I love you. I'm proud of you. You're beautiful. In every way.

But can a dad ever say these things too much?

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