I've been by your side since day one, watching you grow and change as the years went by. Beginning as my little baby brother, I looked at your diaper-filled butt with only the most horrific look of disgust that your seven-year-old (now middle child) sister is able to produce. A look mixed with jealousy as I was no longer the youngest and favorite now that you were here. But that was OK because I learned that you actually weren't the favorite when all you did was cry and make messes. Just kidding.

However, over the past 12 years, I've watched you dramatically change from a tiny, little thing into a toddler that could easily destroy my dollhouse setup within a matter of minutes. And I remember walking you up to elementary school and playing "fish in the sea" on the wood chips. I've also watched as your passions change with your age, for example, your "WWE Wrestling" phase, your "Call of Duty" and Nerf Gun phase, right on to when you started to care about what girls thought about you when you were going into middle school.

I've seen you use your mind to figure out so much about the world around you and your curious thirst for always wanting to know more. You challenge yourself in ways that you yourself want to see you do better in, and I've watched you improve continuously. You've always remained extremely kind and helpful, even when you deny it. And you care about the people in your life, like family and friends, more than you'd like us to know.

I remember when I used to be able to play games with you and wrestle with you and always win. I remember when we used to fight and it would go too far, and I'd try my hardest to calm you down and convince you not to tell Mom. And I certainly remember when I used to tower over you at 5'7" and now you're almost eye-to-eye with me.

As your older sister by seven years, I used to be much more stronger than you, but as time moved on, it wasn't long until you could take me down no problem. You've grown immensely and are already almost bigger than me, and it's obvious you're not going to stop growing anytime soon. Especially after Christmas this year when you received a new watch, wallet, electric razor and cologne set, and literally became a little man.

So as I look over at you within the upcoming final days before becoming an angst-y teenager, I can't help but see how far you've come. My not-so-little, little brother, growing bigger and more brilliant each day. Becoming more accustomed to himself and what he wants for himself and having the drive to go after his goals. To being compassionate and so incredibly caring about those around him. For still acting well-mannered when he'd rather be loud and obnoxious. Although you've caused us a lot of trouble along the way, seeing all the struggles you've already overcome and seeing all that you've learned from while growing up over the years is amazing to witness as your older sister. And I can't wait to see what you'll be capable of as you get older. I know it'll be as mind-blowing as always.

Happy 13th birthday, to my not-so-little, little brother.