No one announced, "It's a girl!" when my baby came into the world.

But a girl she is, nevertheless.

"How do you know you're a girl?" a reporter once asked her.

"How do you know you're a guy?" she replied, coyly.

She has a bit of attitude. No idea where she gets it from.

My daughter turns 13 today. She was our miracle baby after several years of secondary infertility and pregnancy losses. I was smitten and so grateful the first time I laid eyes on her. And when I held her in my arms all those years ago, I had no idea just how much of a gift she would be to our family.

You know, when she's not stomping upstairs angrily and slamming her door and yelling, " OHMYGODYOUDONTGETMEATALL!"

Oh yes, I most certainly have a teen daughter.




And so, happy birthday to the person who can make my blood boil faster than anyone else in the house.

Happy birthday to the Minecraft-loving, mall-running, laugh-having person with such enviable hair.

Happy birthday to the girl who risked everything to be herself.

Happy birthday to my teacher and inspiration.

Happy birthday to my daughter, through and through.

Maybe I don't get you at all, Alexis, but I love you tremendously.