Things that make you go, “Hmmm????”

1. Ariana’s maternal Great-Grandmother, the oldest daughter in her family, was born on 13 October.
2. Ariana’s maternal Grandmother, the oldest daughter in her family, was born on 13 September.
3. Ariana’s mother, the oldest daughter in her family, was born on 13 March.
4. Ariana, the oldest daughter in her family, was born on 13 August . . . at 13:13 in the afternoon!

With all the lucky 13’s in our lineage, the optimal theme for Ariana’s 13th birthday party was pretty obvious: Triskaidekaphilia! (Love of the number 13).

At 13:13 on 13 August 2013, a few of Ariana’s close friends gathered to celebrate our beloved Triskaidekarian and some of her favorites:

*Meatball subs
*Cooking–toffee apple dip cooking class
*Fresh-squeezed lemonade
*Pinterest: cute hair ties craft
*Harry Potter: bracelets
*Books: book exchange
*Friends: each girl wrote things that they liked about each other on a pieces of cardstock. We framed them as a keepsake for each girl.
*Photography and being silly: photo booth with silly props
*Ice cream sundaes with 13 favorite toppings

That night, Ariana selected Buca di Beppo for our family dinner. She loves Italian food!

Of all the mysterious things about the number 13, the thing that has me the most bewildered is “How did the last 13 years pass so quickly?”

Hmm?!?!?!

But, Ariana, even though you may be befuddled about why you aren’t the proud owner of a shiny new cell phone, let there be know doubt in your mind how much we love you. My birthday wish for you is that you defy all the stereotypical teenage behaviors (and my mother’s hope that someday I’d have a teenager just as sassy as I was) and stay your sweet self. You are a kind, smart, even-tempered, polite, articulate, bibliophilic wonder, and I’m proud to be your mother.