No matter what, Mariah Carey’s kids will always be her babies.

In fact, though the “Honey” singer’s kids Monroe and Moroccan—who she shares with ex Nick Cannon—are now 13 years old, Mariah herself can hardly believe it, and with good reason.

“Now, normally I would say, ‘Here’s the thing, I’m eternally 12,’” Mariah joked to E! News’ Keltie Knight in an exclusive interview, “so I don’t even know how it’s possible.”

As for what is possible? Mariah’s adoration for watching Dem Babies grow into beloved tweens.

“I love them so much,” she added. “They’re really good kids. You know what I mean? I don’t think that they’re bad or evil in any way like I was. They’re really good kids and they’re very smart and they’re funny—and, you know, I’m the mommy.” (For more with Mariah, tune into E! News Monday, Aug. 5 at 11 p.m.)

And if you’re wondering about whether Mariah’s kids think she’s as cool as, well, someone who is the reigning Queen of Christmas, the “Endless Love” singer—whose Christmas tour will kick off later this year—admitted that she doesn’t know their exact opinions.