We did not light 11 candles and I couldn’t get more creative with the title.

The daughter (previously kuttyma and now prefers to be known as The Mint Girl) turned 11 recently. Birthdays have been relatively low key celebrations at Poohsden even prior to Covid and this year was no exception.

This blog has seen her grow through the years. She was a regular on this blog since her early days but over the years, she requested not to be here. And slowly I stopped writing about her. Last year, she evolved as a blogger and Instagrammer. She seems to be developing her own identity and I could not be prouder.

Often I have had moments when I wished I could write about her here. I seem to be the most creative when inspired by my daughter. But I definitely respected her wishes and kept her away from my blog (and also kept myself away from the blog for quite a while)

11 years of parenting has been an eye-opener. I won’t change that for anything in this world. In fact, as I look back, I have learned the best lessons in life as a mother. I have discovered patience, books and fears I didn’t know existed. Chaos, clutter and glitter have become normal that I can get through them without raising an eyebrow. Random moments of bliss, snuggles and joy are abundant.

11 candles is just the beginning isn’t it? The tween years and then the dreaded teen years will be here whether I am ready or not. As I see the world around us struggle, stumble, fight and crumble, I often wonder what can I ever teach her? I am sure there are millions of mothers before me who have had exactly the same thoughts but it isn’t much of a consolation.

I watch her light 11 candles, make a wish, giggle as she tries to blow them off and gets a friend to help her and I sigh in contentment.

Happy Belated Birthday Mint Girl!