Nelle is 13! 3 Days Until the Party

Posted on by Ilze

Today, my sweet Nelle is turning 13.

Thirteen. A teenager.

I can barely believe I’m writing this. Not because she’s not ready for it—she absolutely is—but because somehow, the time flew. And that’s something I never thought I’d say.

People always told me “Enjoy it while it lasts, they grow up so fast!” And honestly? For the longest time, I didn’t believe them. It didn’t feel fast. It felt like a never-ending loop of sleepless nights, diaper changes, toddler tantrums, the push-and-pull of everyday parenting chaos.

I remember thinking, “How could this possibly go fast?”

But lately… I find myself saying to other people, “It went by so fast.”

Because suddenly, it did.

That endless struggle? It softened. The routines changed. The child who once clung to me is now standing taller, thinking deeper, laughing louder—and becoming her own person. And I get to witness that unfolding. And less and less pictures with her 🙂

Nelle is smart, spirited, caring, and creative. She surprises me with her insights and challenges me with her questions. She’s not a little kid anymore—and that truth is both breathtaking and bittersweet.

Today we’ll celebrate her. With dinner, with hugs, with presents and wishes. And I’ll hold her close, even as she pulls a little farther away toward her own future.

Happy 13th birthday, Nelle.
I’m so proud of who you are—and excited to see who you’ll become.

Love,
Mama

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17 thoughts on “Nelle is 13! 3 Days Until the Party”

  1. What a lovely post. I remember well the endless sleepless nights, and
    being amazed when my girls started going to bed on their own. As you
    say, it goes by so fast (eventually!)

    I love your posts. I love reading about your life in Latvia. You are
    such a lovely mum, and what a wonderful family.

    And your English is perfect! Is it your first language? if not, you are
    an amazing linguist.

    Blessings on your head.

    Mandy.

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    1. Thank you so much, Mandy – your words truly warmed my heart. 💛
      Yes, those sleepless nights felt like they would never end… and then suddenly, they’re brushing their own teeth and climbing into bed without a reminder. It’s such a mix of relief, pride, and a little ache, isn’t it?

      I’m really touched that you enjoy reading about our life here in Latvia. It means a lot to me—especially on the days when I wonder if sharing these moments even matters. Comments like yours remind me that it does.

      And no, English isn’t my first language—Latvian is—but I’ve always loved languages. Thank you for the kind words, that’s such a compliment coming from you. 😊

      Sending blessings right back your way!
      Ilze

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  2. I can only echo what Mandy says – a beautiful tribute to your lovely daughter. And yes, nobody would guess from yur wriing that English isn’t your native tongue. Well done all round!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s always comforting to hear from someone who understands the bittersweet nature of watching our children grow up. Do you have any special memories from when your own children reached their teenage years? I’d love to hear about them.

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    1. Thank you, John! It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. Do you have any memorable stories from your own teenage years that you’d like to share? I’m sure Nelle would enjoy hearing them.

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    1. Thank you! It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, but we’re embracing this new chapter with open hearts. Do you have any advice for navigating the teenage years? I’m all ears!

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        1. Thank you, I think so too! She finished the art school and now she has summer break, but after that I think she will continue to go to art school to some lectures and art workshops. They offer that.

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