Stuff I Won't Have the Guts to Say in 14 Years...

It is safe to say, we are a ways away from puberty. At this comfortable distance I'm feeling a bit brazen and am willing to commit the following to writing. Written proof that I hope won't come to bite me in the ass at a later date. Ella and Vivian, your parent's judgement will likely become increasingly clouded as you approach your teen years. After your 12th birthday you will probably start to hear inane things like, "Because we said so", "You are grounded until you graduate" and "Not under my roof". We'll stress about your future, your reputation, your wardrobe and your self esteem. But years before we enter into the vortex of adolescence I offer you the following advice...woman to women.
1. Don't lose the willful confidence of your youth. Sometimes we worry so much about other's expectations, the people pleasing, the compliance that we lose ourselves. No apologies for being a "B" on occasion.
2. Get your heart broken and break hearts. It's the best way to learn about love and relationships.
3. Study abroad as much as your college/parents/pocketbook will allow. Stay out until you see the sunrise. Drink, laugh and love (all safely and in moderation please).
4. Get a piercing, dye your hair pink...there is plenty of time for conventional. These are things I wish I did before I crossed the threshold into responsible adulthood. Please note dear girls, I am not condoning a tattoo.
5. Embrace fashion. Someday it will no longer be "age appropriate" and you will find yourself shopping the sale racks at Ann Taylor...no, I'm not bitter.
6. Chase your dreams. Change your mind. Find a new direction. Repeat.
7. Make mistakes but learn from them.
Your father and I promise to do the best we can to raise confident and loving women. We promise to try not to hold on to what we can't. Because before we know it, you'll be in the pool without the waterwings. But girls, please be easy on us...okay?